#soarynn snow

[slaymitchabernathy]

tom blyth nation: fighting, drama, gossip, in shambles

tom:

oblivious king.

[slaymitchabernathy]

sometimes i forget that tom has one ear pierced. just imagine him putting in one little earring, checking his reflection & going: “yep, this is gonna drive the girls crazy” but its me. im the girls.

[slaymitchabernathy]

First Date

| after getting a request for this, i just knew this had to get done!!! |

To walk through the front gates of the President's Mansion takes a lot of guts, which is why Ceraphina's admiration for her future boyfriend grows stronger and stronger as he climbs the steps to the front door.

Plutarch Heavensbee might just be the love of her life. He just doesn't know it yet.

But to find out, to know if he's the one, she agreed to a small date, nothing too big, too fancy. He asked her about it last week when he was walking her to class, their shoulders brushing as she brushed her hair behind her ear, nervous but excited. She's grown up with Plutarch, basically known him her whole life.

Their fathers are good friends, Quintus Heavensbee has been one of her father's most trusted advisors for decades now, the one he goes to for everything that has to do with running this country.

For everything else, he goes to mother.

But it's not mother she's worried about. No, mother is kind to everyone. Father, on the other hand, could care less who Plutarch's father is, for all he cares, he could be a District boy.

No one is ever good enough for the Snows in his eyes.

Snow lands on top after all.

Now she's hoping Heavensbee might land on top, at least land on top of the scoreboard when it comes to her father's favorite people. He doesn't like a lot of people, sometimes it feels like he barely likes her and she's his daughter. He loves mother though, she's seen how he gets around her, how he melts and softens up.

Ceraphina wonders if Plutarch might be like that around her one day, sappy and soft, wanting to do anything to make her happy.

She'll have to find out.

There's a knock at the front door and she's fast to answer it before one of the Avoxes can do it. Ceraphina takes a deep breath before yanking open the heavy mahogany door, revealing a very handsome-looking Plutarch dressed in a button-up shirt, vest, and trousers. His blonde hair is swept back and his eyes, oh his eyes.

This must be what love is.

"Too much?" He teases with that easygoing smile.

Ceraphina giggles, she can already feel herself blushing, "Not at all, you look very handsome." She steps to the side so he can step into the house and for a moment, she remembers who she is and where she lives. The look of amazement on Plutarch's face is more than enough to remind her that she's the daughter of Panem's most feared and respected man, the President.

"It's been a while since I've been here," Plutarch says, staring up at the chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, "I remember we used to run to the chocolate fountain during the parties." Ceraphina laughs, remembering how she used to run around the massive parties they'd throw in their house, Celeste by her side while they basked in everyone's attention.

They still have parties, but they're much more boring now that they're expected to act like proper ladies, forced to engage in polite conversation rather than running rampant and getting away with it just because they're cute.

She misses those days. She misses her sister and she's right upstairs, holed up in her room since she prefers to be by herself rather than her family. It's not like Ceraphina can blame her, not when their family isn't the most functional. They always have breakfast together or the occasional dinner like tonight, but after that, it's time to go their separate ways.

For the children, it's off the school. For mother, it's off to be a socialite and the First Lady. For father, it's off to run the country and be somewhat of a dictator, even if he says he isn't one.

Ceraphina rarely sees her father outside of their designated breakfast time slot. But if she does, it's cold and quiet. He's distant but he's that way with all of the children now that they're old enough to form their own opinions on him and on the world around them.

No longer are they his little wide-eyed, adoring children who think the world of their father.

He hates it.

"Yes, I remember that. Seems like a lifetime ago."

Plutarch rolls his shoulders back, eyeing the servants who wait on the Snows hand and foot, "Everything seemed so much...bigger back then. We wanted to be just like the adults and now we practically are."

He's right, in one year, Ceraphina will graduate. She knows what's expected of her, to get married and have children, exactly what her mother did.

She's not going to do that.

Ceraphina has bigger plans for her future, brighter plans.

"Do you plan to follow in your father's footsteps when you graduate?" She asks, curious if he'll continue the Heavensbee legacy. Plutarch shakes his head, a smirk on his lips, "I'm going to be Head Gamemaker," he says proudly. He says it like he's already done it, he sounds a lot like father right now.

"Oh," is all she says.

A soft meow comes from the top of the grand staircase, drawing their attention to Petunia, the family cat slowly but surely padding down the steps. When Ceraphina was little, they'd chase each other around for hours, both happy to have a playmate. Now they're both older, and Petunia has slowed down significantly.

Ceraphina doesn't know what her mother will do when she goes.

"Oh, she's still alive."

It's words like that where Ceraphina realizes how much has changed, how much she’s grown. Father still treats her like a small child but in reality, she’s nearly ready to fly the nest, leave, and never come back. She’s already got a plan, she’ll go to University and live in her father’s old penthouse apartment.

Mother has told countless stories from his time living in the penthouse before father became President. It’s the Snow’s ancestral home and even after all these years, he’s never sold it.

Which is why it would be a waste to just let it sit there. Ceraphina knows that her father won’t approve of her moving out, of her leaving his watchful eye but she’s sure that with enough help from mother, he’ll let her leave.

She just has to find the courage to mention it first.

Petunia finally reaches them, curious about Plutarch who crouches down, reaching out a hand for Petunia to sniff. Ceraphina watches the sweet interaction, Petunia sniffs his hand before rubbing her head against it, not seeing this new man as a threat to those she loves most.

They’ve all witnessed Petunia attack a few people before, and most of those attacks have been directed at father who’s never seemed to fully enjoy being around the cat.

Ceraphina can’t figure out why they hate each other so much but mother says they’ve always been that way.

"She usually doesn't like new people," Ceraphina says, "she must really like you." If Petunia likes Plutarch, then that's a good sign, a good omen. It has to be.

Plutarch grins at those words, she'd like to believe that he's nervous about this too. "I have that effect on animals," he casually tells her, standing back up, "is your father home? I'd like to have a proper word with him before we depart."

Any confidence Ceraphina had about this date going well is quickly diminished. She had hoped that they'd just be on their way and not speak to father, or mother, or anyone really in this house. But of course, he'd want to say hello, it's proper etiquette to speak to the father of the girl you might be courting someday.

The idea of courting is absolutely thrilling for girls Ceraphina's age. She still asks mother about what it was like during the period when she was courting father. It's almost comical to imagine her father, President of Panem head over heels for mother, chasing her around with roses and words of praise and admiration.

That man is long gone now.

But the way mother tells it, he was so romantic.

Ceraphina might yearn for her independence, but she's no fool, she also wants to fall in love, to have someone look at her the way father looks at mother.

She just doesn't want that man to be evil.

"Oh, yes, well, he might be busy," she lies. Father's schedule is wide open today since everyone in the family knows that Plutarch is coming over to take Ceraphina out on a date. Plutarch frowns, slipping his hands into his pockets, he looks so disappointed, like he was riding on the fact that he'd get to meet the President.

Is that why he's here? Is he only taking her out on a date so he can say that he dated the President's daughter?

No, no, Plutarch would never.

"We can go check," she offers, suppressing a heavy sigh. Plutarch visibly brightens at the offer, reaching out to take her hand, "Wonderful, my father would give me a stern talking to if he found out that I didn't say a proper word to the man of the house."

All Ceraphina is focusing on right now is his hand holding her hand.

She'd agree to just about anything right now.

She's also sure that her father will be reporting back to his father, which adds another level of pressure to this date. Ceraphina makes no effort to remove his hand, guiding them through the massive hallways of the President's Mansion.

"Wow," he says when they pass by a large family portrait. None of the family pays much mind to any of the paintings on the walls but their guests always compliment them. "Mother had to bribe us with sweets to get us to hold still," she giggles, remembering how chaotic all three of the children had been during that portrait.

It's hard enough to get a child to hold still for a photograph, let alone a portrait painted in real-time. But mother has always been good at managing their family, getting everyone to behave and get along. At least long enough for a photo.

Ceraphina only sneaks a few glances at her future boyfriend while they walk up to her father's study, the doors slightly ajar. Plutarch looks so handsome, so noble. If father doesn't approve of him then she's doomed, he's from a good family, a noble name, educated, rich.

Who could be better for her?

Despite the doors already being open, Ceraphina knocks because goodness knows the lecture she'd get if she didn't. Father has always been adamant about his children having good manners. Any bad behavior is always reported back to him with swiftness, so fast that none of them can ever back-peddle.

"Come in," he calls from inside.

Ceraphina draws in a sharp breath, this will either end very well, or very badly.

When she pushes the doors open, she's surprised to see her little brother sitting across from father, looking right at home. Caspian looks over his shoulder with a mischievous grin on his face. He gets away with everything since he just cries to mother whenever he gets in trouble.

He looks just like father though, a carbon copy. Ceraphina worries he might turn out to be just like him someday, his successor, his heir. Being the firstborn means nothing to her when it comes to inheriting the power her father holds.

She's not a boy. Simple as that.

"He's got more hair than his father," is the first thing that comes out of her little brother's mouth, causing her to scowl. Ceraphina squeezes Plutarch's hand, he just got here and is already being teased. "Hopefully I'm able to keep it," Plutarch replies in jest, not letting Caspian's comment throw him off.

Caspian merely grins in response, turning back to father, "I'm glad we've come to an agreement father." He reaches out his right hand and father reaches out his hand as well, sealing whatever deal they made with a handshake.

Ceraphina immediately wants to know what they were talking about before she got here, but knowing Caspian, the little brat will keep it a secret unless she begs for it. Which she won't.

Snows don't beg for anything.

Father finally settles his gaze on Ceraphina, sharp and critical like always. His eyes don't linger long on Ceraphina, not when he sees her every day. They travel over to Plutarch, or more importantly, Plutarch's hand which is intertwined with his oldest daughter's hand.

Uh-oh.

Caspian slips out of his seat, giving father a polite nod before making his way over to the doors, brushing by Ceraphina with that smug little smirk, "Good luck," he whispers. Even though he's almost two years younger than her, Caspian has already surpassed Ceraphina when it comes to height. He'll take after father most likely, tall and strong, imposing to all he comes across.

Such a waste in good genetics.

"Thank you for allowing me to take Ceraphina on a date Mr. Snow, it's an honor to be welcomed into your beautiful home." Father remains behind his desk which leads the young couple to venture further into the study, stopping a few feet away from his desk.

Father hums, he looks so important behind his desk, like he has a million other more important things to do than to entertain Ceraphina and her silly little dates. He's always been good at making her feel small.

"I was surprised, to say the least, when my daughter brought it up," he finally says, "that Quintus Heavensbee's son asked her out on a date. It's a very bold gesture, young man."

"I feel very boldly about your daughter sir."

"You speak quite boldly as well," father replies within a second, his tongue sharp, "very different from how your father speaks to me." Ceraphina swallows, this is bad, very, very bad. She needs to divert this conversation, derail it if possible.

She needs a distraction.

"Coryo? Are you in here?"

Mother might just be her saving grace.

With the doors wide open, mother glides right into the study, immediately lifting the tension in the air with an easy, kind smile on her lips. She looks so pretty today, she always looks pretty. Ceraphina is constantly told that she looks just like her mother.

If only she could act like her.

Ceraphina knows that's what father wants, he wants his daughters to be as pliant as his wife, as forgiving and graceful. Celeste is, she rarely causes trouble, which makes her the apple of father's eye. It's Ceraphina he has problems with. Ceraphina feels that it makes it all the more harder since she's witnessed firsthand how different he is with mother, almost giving her a preview of what their relationship could be like if she just changed everything about herself.

Even now she can see it, how his eyes slightly soften when seeing his wife, like the evil almost floats out of his body.

"Oh, Plutarch, I didn't know you were already here or I would have greeted you at the door." Plutarch gives mother a more genuine smile, "It's no trouble Mrs. Snow, just being in your presence is enough for me." Ceraphina can see father rolling his eyes at the compliment but mother pays him no mind, crossing the room until she reaches the young children.

"Oh, you're such a flatterer, just like your father. And look how much you've grown! I remember when you were a little boy running around in the rosebushes in the gardens."

"Yes, Ceraphina and I were just talking about how quickly time has passed," Plutarch agrees, giving Ceraphina's hand a squeeze which causes her heart to skip a beat. Mother chuckles, eyeing the two of them with amusement in her stormy blue eyes, "You two make quite the handsome pair if I do say so myself. We were quite surprised when Ceraphina informed us about you asking her out on a date. Weren't we darling?"

They all turn back to father whose face has gone placid, probably angry that mother's attention isn't all on him. "Yes, we were certainly surprised when we heard the news. What exactly do you have planned for your little date?"

Plutarch stands tall, confident in how the day will go, "I thought we might go to the zoo." Father scoffs, shaking his head, "In this heat? You'll cause my Ceraphina to melt." Mother rests a hand on Ceraphina's shoulder, calming her so that she doesn't lunge across the table and strangle her father. "If I recall correctly, you took me to the zoo quite a few times in the springtime darling, and I never melted," she sweetly reminds him.

Ceraphina does her best not to look smug at mother coming to their defense. Father's jaw clenches and his fingers wrap tightly around the pen in his left hand, "Well that was almost twenty years ago darling, much has changed since then."

"Nonsense, the zoo will be the perfect place for a first date. I hope you don't mind Plutarch, but you'll have quite the security detail joining you two, they'll keep their distance," mother promises. Ceraphina can't go anywhere without at least three Peacekeepers so she didn't even try and fight it when father insisted on ten following her around on this date.

They'll probably be reporting every little thing back to him. "Ceraphina laughed too much sir, should we shoot the boy now or later?"

Ugh.

"It's not a problem at all Mrs. Snow," Plutarch assures her, "Ceraphina's safety is always of importance." Father rises from his seat, towering over all of them, even Plutarch who's the tallest boy in her year. "I see that there is no talking you out of this Ceraphina," father says disappointedly, "so I can only encourage you to make good decisions and make us proud. You're representing all of us when you're out there."

"I know father."

Father stops at the side of his desk and reaches out a hand toward mother. Ceraphina hopes that mother will stay by her side, but she doesn't. She smooths down Ceraphina's hair and presses a kiss to her cheek. "Have fun darling," she whispers before going to father who immediately wraps his hand around her waist. "I expect her to be home before five," he informs Plutarch, "and in one piece."

"Of course, sir, thank you for allowing me to take her out on a date."

Mother smiles sweetly at Plutarch but father does no such thing, just giving him a curt nod, a dismissive nod. Ceraphina sighs, they might as well leave now before someone says something that they'll regret later on. She tugs on Plutarch's hand, dragging him out of the study and the suffocating atmosphere.

"I didn't get to shake his hand," Plutarch whispers worriedly, glancing back over his shoulder at the open doors, "he'll be sure to tell my father about that."

"I think he's going to tell your father if you blink the wrong way," Ceraphina tells him bluntly, "he doesn't like strangers, especially boys."

Once they're out of earshot, Plutarch lets go of her hand, wrapping his arm around her waist instead which is much better in her opinion. "I'll get him to like me, just wait and see."

Ceraphina smiles up at him, she'd like to see it, to believe it but it seems impossible.

Everything with father is impossible.

꧁ ꧂

The sound of cutlery scraping across plates is mind-numbing for Ceraphina who only wants to think about her date that took place earlier today.

It was perfect.

He was perfect.

Plutarch was everything she imagined him to be. he was sweet, funny, polite, and charming. All the things Caspian is not being right now as he kicks her under the table, "Stop it," she hisses, glaring daggers at her little brother. He grins at her, stabbing a piece of salmon with his fork, "You keep dazing off, father will be worse if he notices."

Caspian is, unfortunately, right. Even though father is currently talking with mother across the table, he still notices everything. Ceraphina does too. She notices how he rests his hand on top of mother's hand, how his fingers absentmindedly play with her wedding ring while he talks about something that would probably bore her to tears.

But mother listens so intently, she's so attentive to her husband. She's a good wife, a loving wife, a patient wife.

Her father does not deserve her.

"Ceraphina darling, how was the zoo?" Mother's soft voice snaps her out of another daze and this time, father is staring right at her, critical as always. "Um, it was good, very good, he's very sweet," she says dreamily, remembering the way he held her hand while they looked at the flamingos.

Father reaches for his glass of wine since he'd rather be drunk than sober if he has to listen to her talk about her first date. "He seems a bit arrogant," he notes. Ceraphina scoffs, she can't help but call him out on his behavior, "Yes, he reminds me of someone I know."

And there she's done it, everyone at the table grows silent and uncomfortable just like that. It's like she and father have a knack for lighting each other's fuses.

Mother shoots her a look, pleading and warning.

"I don't appreciate your tone, young lady," father fires back, "this type of behavior is exactly why I've decided that we will not allow you to court Plutarch Heavensbee."

Ceraphina drops her fork and her jaw, unable to mask her shock.

"What!? But that's not fair! You barely even know him! I've only gone on one date with him! Father, you're not being fa-"

Father cuts her off by raising up his hand, silencing her, "I don't need to be anything. I'm the head of this household, the President of this country, and more importantly, your father. I don't think you're old enough to court yet. My decision is final Ceraphina, do not try to change my mind."

Ceraphina can't believe this! It's like he's set on ruining her life.

She tosses her fork onto the plate, "I'm going to my room."

"No you are not, you will sit at this table and eat dinner with your family," he orders, "just because you didn't get what you wanted doesn't mean that you get to take it out on the rest of us."

"But you can? Because every time something goes wrong in your life, it's like the rest of us are walking on eggshells! I'm not going to be a child forever, I'm almost eighteen, and once I graduate, I'll go to the University."

This might have not been the best moment to bring up her big plans for after she graduates from the Academy, but she fears that it's now or never and her mouth is moving before her mind can comprehend a single thought.

She can see in mother's eyes that she's gone too far, she can also see how she's hurt her. Ceraphina has been keeping her plans a secret from everyone, including mother who she tells almost evrrything to.

"When were you going to tell us about this?" Father inquires for the both of them, "Or were you just going to go behind our backs?"

She nearly shivers at the thought of trying to sneak behind father’s back. He finds out everything. She wouldn’t get very far, unless he wanted to. Unless he wanted to see her fail just to prove a point.

But would he do that? Would he do that to his own daughter? His firstborn who he loved so much when she was a baby?

Mother says he used to wake in the middle of the night and check on Ceraphina in her nursery, terrified someone would happen to her, that she’d disappear and never come back.

Where has that man gone?

That’s when she realizes that he’s never existed. It’s all been a facade, a great big show for her, for mother, for their family.

For Panem.

Coriolanus Snow, the President of Panem, beloved by those in the Capitol who see him as a family man, a loving husband and doting father.

The worst part is that mother believes this lie. He’s gotten so good at playing this role, at convincing her that he’s a good man. If love is blind, then mother hasn’t been seeing clearly for nearly twenty years.

Even now, mother is on his side, looking at Ceraphina expectantly, waiting for her to provide an answer for her secrets and shortcomings. "I...I was going to tell you," she whispers, shrinking into herself, "I swear I wasn't going to keep it a secret. I want more than just marriage. I want to get a proper education, I want to live on my own and be my own person, I'm more than just someone's little wife."

If mother wasn't hurt before, she definitely is now. "Is that all you see me as? Someone's little wife who didn't go to school after graduating from the Academy?"

Ceraphina didn't know it was possible to feel this terrible. How this day has gone sideways is beyond her and there's no going back. "No, I just," her voice breaks, tears pool in her stormy blue eyes, "I just want more."

Father sighs, shaking his head at this whole ordeal, "You have more than you could ever need Ceraphina, don't you know how lucky you are? To never want? To never have to worry about a single thing? I've worked extremely hard to give you children the life I never had growing up and your mother recognized that, which is why she didn't pursue a further education but instead, built a family. All we've ever done has been done for you and it's so disappointing to see how ungrateful you've become."

That's it, Ceraphina Snow is a spoiled rotten, ungrateful little brat who hates her parents and her siblings. She can already see the tabloids.

"I'm going to my room," is all she whispers.

"I think that's a good idea," father answers.

No one says a word as she leaves the dining room, feeling worse than she's ever felt before.

She might be a Snow, but she has yet to land on top.

꧁ ꧂

In true dramatic teenage fashion, Ceraphina flings herself onto her bed, sobbing into her pillows.

It's good to cry, mother says that it releases different hormones and that you'll feel much better after you cry. But then again, mother never personally attacked every member of her family at dinner so maybe that's something to consider.

When Ceraphina hears a knock at her doors, she doesn't even bother answering. It's probably father coming to gloat, or Celeste who will always bring up dessert to cheer her up. There are no further knocks which means she can resume crying, but then she hears her doors open, which does not bode well for her current situation.

She feels the bed dip beside her and a gentle hand brushes through her hair.

Mother.

"I just wanted to make sure that you were alright," mother says softly, continuing to brush her fingers through Ceraphina's wavy blonde hair. She sniffles, it's almost worse that mother is the one who came to visit her. She doesn't care if she hurts father's feelings, you can't hurt any if you haven't got any. But mother has feelings, she's so kind and sweet.

"I'm fine," Ceraphina says, her voice muffled by the pillows, "I just want to go to sleep and never wake up." Mother sighs, even at forty years old, she looks thirty, forever youthful and elegant. But Ceraphina knows that she's getting older, that her tolerance for certain things is growing smaller.

Like over-dramatic teenage daughters for example.

And she has two of them.

"Darling, your father means well, he didn't mean to start a fight."

Ceraphina rolls over to her back when she hears those words. Father hates lying so it's funny how easily mother will do it for the sake of keeping the family together. She gives mother a quizzical look, "Yes he did, or he at least did it to get a reaction out of me. Why else would he want me to stop seeing Plutarch? He hates that I'm growing up and that he's losing control over me! I can't live here forever."

"Your father loves you very much, so, so, much, and he simply wants what's best for you. He wants who is best for you."

"No one will ever be good for any of us in his eyes. Not for me, Celeste, or even Caspian. He's never going to be happy with who we choose unless he gets to decide for us."

Mother frowns, even when she's sad she looks so, so beautiful. It's no wonder why father is always so proud to keep her on his arm, to show her off. Ceraphina has witnessed countless times how he's shown her off like a trophy on his arm.

Ceraphina can't let that be her future.

It's funny how much she looks like mother though, they're practically twins with the same eye and hair color. Even their complexion is the same with freckles dotted across their upturned noses.

It's like looking in a mirror.

I'm all you could be, she thinks, and you're all I could never be.

"Don't let this fight sit between you two," mother advises, resting her hand on Ceraphina's cheek, "it's not good for the family, or for your relationship with him. Your father adores you darling, when you were born he changed into a completely different person, I saw it myself. He'd give you the world if you just asked."

Ceraphina would rather die than ask father for anything, especially the world that he holds so casually in his palm.

"It's still not fair, I finally got some sense of normalcy and now he's ruined it. I don't need to apologize for that."

"We can talk about it in the morning then. I think we could all use some sleep."

Mother leans down to kiss her temple, something she's done since Ceraphina was a little girl. She'd read her a book and sing her favorite lullaby. Now it's different, Ceraphina no longer sleeps with a mountain of stuffed animals or needs a night light.

Perhaps father never noticed her growing up until it was too late.

"Goodnight darling, sweet dreams."

Ceraphina lies there, staring up at her ceiling while mother gently closes her doors, leaving her to wallow in her self-pity once again. She knows she should at least apologize to mother, who's sacrificed so much for her family. Who knows, maybe mother did want to go to University, but much like Ceraphina, she had people telling her what to do.

From what she's heard, father fell for mother first, he fell hard and fast. It's no a surprise, not when mother must've been the perfect woman in his eyes. Eighteen, a proper Capitol lady from a prominent family, willing to start one with him.

Ceraphina rolls over to the side of her bed, reaching for her nightstand drawer where she keeps all sorts of things, including the newspaper clipping from when her parents got married. Apparently, it was the largest wedding in Panem, highly anticipated by everyone in the Capitol.

Mother made a beautiful bride at twenty-two, and father was a handsome groom at twenty-seven. One year later, Ceraphina came along. She scans over the headline, 'President Snow marries his First Lady, Snow Lands on Top once again!'

Ceraphina can't imagine how overwhelming it must've been for mother, to not only get married at such a young age, but to marry the President as well. Father had been President for three years when they got married, which mother says was a testament to their relationship since she stood loyally by his side during his campaign.

It's no wonder he proposed shortly after he won. He was riding that high. He had the job and the name, all he needed was the girl.

So if that's his idea of the perfect marriage, then how will Ceraphina's future husband ever compare?

꧁ ꧂

Later that night, the guilt began to eat away at her heart. She still wasn't going to apologize to father, but she could apologize to mother.

Ceraphina quietly made her way to her parent's bedroom, stopping at the doors which were slightly open, most likely for Petunia to come and go as she pleases. Ceraphina peers into their bedroom, still a mystery to her since father doesn't allow the children to come inside.

She spots mother sitting by the fireplace, wrapped up in a silk robe, a cup of tea in her hands. Father stands at the foot of the bed, pulling off his tie. "...no such thing as 'being too hard on her' darling, if she's not corrected then she'll embarrass herself and us when she's out in the real world."

Ceraphina knows she should leave instead of eavesdropping, but if it's her that they're talking about, she deserves to hear it.

"She's still a child Coriolanus," mother reminds him, "she's trying to figure out where she fits in and your constant beratement isn't helping. You used to be so adoring towards her, don't you remember? She's sit in your lap while you were working in your study, and rush to meet you after a trip to the Districts."

Father throws his tie onto the bed, turning to face his wife from across the room, "Things are different now Soarynn, she's older now, more emotional. If you think I don't miss my sweet little girl then you're mistaken but there's no turning back time darling, we have to move forward."

Mother sips her tea, Ceraphina can see that she's taken off her makeup but she's still so beautiful. "I just think you should give Plutarch a chance, he's a good boy from a good family. If not him then who will be good enough for our Ceraphina?"

Father rubs his hand over his face, he looks exhausted from today's events. "I don't know Soarynn, but I don't intend to find out while she's still attending the Academy. And let's not forget that she was keeping her University plans a secret from both of us, she didn't even trust you with that information."

Ceraphina wants to run into the room and tell mother that he's wrong, it's not true, she does trust her. It's her husband she doesn't trust.

His words strike a nerve within mother, causing waves of doubt to flood over her face. "I don't know Coryo, maybe she's right, maybe she should live on her own for a little while, continue her education. Goodness knows I could've used a few more years to figure out who I was when I was her age."

Father strides across the room with a determined look in his eyes, stopping once he's right in front of mother. "Darling, you did everything right, don't let any of the children cause you to doubt the choices you made nearly twenty years ago. You married a good man and gave him a family, you've done nothing wrong, my love."

He leans down and tilts his face, pressing a kiss to mother's lips. It's so gentle and patient, the complete opposite of who he is in real life. Mother responds eagerly, leaning into the kiss as she sets her cup of tea down on the table next to her.

If she wasn't intruding before, she certainly is now. Ceraphina should not be watching this but she can't look away. Father's hands go to mother's shoulders, pushing her robe down, exposing her bare collar bones and mother pulls away, softly laughing. "Not tonight," she tells him, staring up with nothing but fondness in her eyes, "we need to get some sleep."

Father groans in a playful manner, this is a side of him that Ceraphina has never seen. A side that is exclusively reserved for mother. "But promise me that you'll speak to her about it," mother pushes, resting a hand on his forearm, "she won't listen to me forever, and it's better if it comes out of your mouth, not mine. I can't be the middleman forever."

Father grins down at her, the words she just spoke sliding off his back, "But you're so good at it darling," he teases. Mother rolls her eyes, pulling her robe back over her shoulders, "I'm serious Coryo, we live in strange times, I want Ceraphina to find someone who genuinely loves her for her. Not her noble birth or family name. And I know you want the same but I feel as though you approach these topics too harshly sometimes."

Instead of immediately answering like he always does, father does something that genuinely surprises Ceraphina, something she never thought was possible.

Father slowly sinks to his knees in front of the woman he loves.

The President of Panem groveling in front of a woman.

“My darling, there was a time in this world when you and I would not be allowed to marry simply because your skin is slightly darker than mine. So please, let’s not quarrel. This is her first date, her first big moment away from us and look where it’s landed her. With a broken heart and resentment towards me.”

Mother seems stunned, her fingers nervously grasping at her robe, crushing the silky fabric, “But that could never happen again, nothing could ever keep us apart,” she says quietly, Ceraphina and her problems long forgotten.

Father shakes his head, a noble look on his face like he’s a knight in shining armor, “Never my love, I’ll see to it that nothing ever keeps us apart, and when our children come of age, they won’t be kept away from their lovers either.”

That seems to settle mother’s nerves down. She lets go of her robe and finally gives in to father's wishes, crawling into his lap onto the floor with him. It’s so strange to see them act so domestic. Ceraphina feels as if she’s witnessing something she shouldn’t.

Trespassing in her own home.

“So you’ll let them marry whoever? As long as they’re from a good family?” Mother questions, resting her head on his shoulder. Father rubs his hand up and down her side, his eyes closed, “Within reason, of course. I must say that nothing says perfection like the color white.”

Ceraphina doesn’t need to hear any more of this, she’s seen enough, knows enough.

It’ll all end the same, with that stupid saying father has engrained into their minds since birth. Caspian repeats it like a mantra, words to live by for if father can succeed by them, then he can too.

Snow lands on top.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @lovelylove268 @kickmybark @wonderlandbound111 @melodyoflovee @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @erensrealgf @evilmenarehot @cervvsq @snowgirl12 @matcha-muses |

[slaymitchabernathy]

coriolanus snow on his way to tell a teenage katniss everdeen that “it’s the things we love most that destroy us” after never getting over his situationship from 50 years ago.

[slaymitchabernathy]

peeta on his way to drop “if it weren’t for the baby” on national television.

[slaymitchabernathy]

House of Balloons

| “...you're in my world now, you can stay, you can stay. but you belong to me, ooh, you belong to me...this is a happy house, we're happy here in a happy house, oh this is fun, fun, fun, fun...” |

| based off a request for a handmaid's tale meets the hunger games universe | this series contains themes of noncon |

Sometimes one must focus on something less significant to address something more significant. In this case, Coriolanus Snow, current President of Panem, chooses to focus on the ticking clock on the far wall.

The sound grounds him, but it also reminds him of how little time he has left to fix this, to fix all of this. He lets the other noises around him bleed back into his ears. It’s mostly his advisors throwing out more stupid, pointless ideas to fix their current issue, a rising epidemic at this point.

The Capitol doesn’t have enough children.

His generation has failed to reproduce due to an increased amount of infertility in women. Any woman from the age of twenty to thirty has been struggling to get pregnant for the past two years. Successful pregnancies have quickly ended in traumatic miscarriages, causing women to be put off by the idea of even trying in fear of suffering a similar fate.

Even his own wife, Livia, has succumbed to infertility.

Not even the President of Panem is safe.

Coriolanus called for this emergency meeting so that they could discuss possible solutions to this growing issue. It’s imperative that people begin having children again, the Capitol needs children. They’re such a precious resource and the Capitol is known for being rich in its resources.

"...taking children from the Districts might solve the issue," someone says and Coriolanus shakes his head dismissively, bringing District children into the Capitol is worse than having no children at all. "Absolutely not," he shoots that idea down, "no children from the Districts will be brought into the Capitol under my authority."

He's met with several displeased looks, they've been going at this for hours, throwing out solutions, "They will not think that they can be one of us," he continues, "nor will their children. I will not have my citizens raising children who grew up in poverty."

Quintus, one of his more trusted and less annoying advisors perks up, "What about the women? Young women from the Districts who have already grown up."

Coriolanus creases his eyebrows, confused as to what Quintus is referring to, "The women?"

Quintus grunts, tapping the table, "They could be of use to us, bring them to the Capitol as surrogates if they're fertile enough, test every woman from the age of eighteen to thirty to see if they're capable of getting pregnant. These women might be our greatest untapped resource."

The room quickly fills with grumbles and whispers, leaving Coriolanus to mull over the possibilities of this proposal. He never even thought about using women from the Districts to solve their issue but perhaps Quintus is onto something.

"They'll be taken care of," Quintus continues, "given a warm, dry place to sleep with three meals a day to ensure successful pregnancies. If anything, we're doing them a great service by giving them something to do rather than starve to death."

Well, when you put it like that.

Coriolanus sighs, bringing hundreds of District women into the Capitol will be no small task. They'll need to be inspected, vaccinated, cleaned, and taught how to behave and conform to Capitol norms.

"This won't be an easy task," Coriolanus points out, "there will be several tests and background checks, I'm not just bringing anyone into the city." Quintus smiles, nodding as if he already anticipated this pushback, he's worked with Coriolanus for years now. "Of course, we want our Capitol citizens to be safe, if these District women act out then they'll be punished, sent back, and reprim-"

"They'll be executed," Coriolanus finishes for him, a definitive tone in his voice leaving no room for arguments, "I will not have them thinking that they are above the others in the Districts simply because they are carrying our children."

Several men nod in agreement, "Excellent idea sir," one of them chimes in, older with a warbly voice, "shall we bring this idea to the board?"

"Let me come to a final decision," Coriolanus decides, "I'll have a definitive answer tomorrow. Meeting adjourned." Everyone rises from their seats, sighing and shuffling out the door but Coriolanus and Quintus remain, "It's a risky thing you're proposing," Coriolanus tells him once the door to the board room closes, leaving the two of them alone, "suppose these women fight back and injure our own wives?"

Quintus shakes his head, giving Coriolanus a tight-lipped smile, "If any one of those women tries to start a riot then we'll make an example out of her, cut out her tongue, cut off a finger, they won't even think about fighting back once we're done with the training and testing."

Coriolanus rests his forearms on the table, leaning forward, "It's not a bad idea," he mumbles, "Livia will be furious but it's not like she's been a big help for the issue."

The moment his wife learned that she was a part of the infertile population, she was beside herself. The First Lady of Panem couldn't give her husband a child and instead of sulking, she chose to lash out at him, snapping at everything he said, throwing out snarky comments.

He's had just about enough of her awful attitude, so maybe something like this will be just what he needs to remind her of her place. Coriolanus didn't marry Livia for love, no, neither of them is capable of loving each other. He married her for status, for power and she married him for the same reasons.

Maybe they do deserve each other.

꧁ ꧂

After mulling over all the endless possibilities of ending the childless epidemic, Coriolanus decides that bringing in District women is the best route of action. He breaks the news to Livia in his study so that no household staff will have to bear witness to their screaming match.

"Are you insane!?" She shrieks, giving him an incredulous look, "Because I can't give you a child, you want to bring a bunch of District whores into the Capitol?! Why not bring the men too so at least they can fuck me the way I deserve to be fucked."

His nostrils flare and his eyes flash with anger, Livia is too good at pushing his buttons, hitting him where it hurts. Fortunately for him, after four years of a miserable marriage, Coriolanus has a few tricks up his sleeve.

"I understand your frustration darling," he says calmly, "which is why I'm offering you a solution, a way out of this mess if you will."

Livia stands by the windows that overlook the gardens, arms crossed with a distrusting look in her eyes, "And what is that?"

Coriolanus smiles, a sly, venomous smile, "A divorce."

Livia is unable to keep her jaw from dropping, divorce is unheard of in their elite circles, unless it's a case of abuse, couples do not separate. For the President and First Lady to get a divorce would be the scandal of the century and they both know that the woman always gets the brunt of the hate.

"Over my dead body," she hisses, stalking towards him, seething with rage, radiating it in fact, "just admit it Coriolanus, you just want the free excuse to fuck some younger cunt from someone more willing than me." Coriolanus remains unimpressed and unthreatened by her hateful words, "I want a child Livia, now you can either stay by my side or leave, the choice is yours but I'm addressing the nation about my decision tomorrow."

He rises from his seat, looming over his wife who hates him so much, "I would recommend that you sleep on it," he whispers, brushing past her on his way to the doors. He catches only a glimpse of her puzzled face as he closes the doors, leaving Livia with a difficult choice to make.

Will she stand by her husband's side while he fucks someone else? Or will she for once in her life, put herself first?

To him the answer is obvious, but Coriolanus has learned that it's important to make women think that they have a choice, have power.

It's easier to take it from them that way.

꧁ ꧂

"Citizens of Panem, I am here today because our beautiful Capitol, a shining beacon of hope and prosperity, the Gem of Panem has come across unforeseen challenges. Panem is known for its vast resources, children being the most precious. This is why we will be screening all eligible women in the Districts, from the age of eighteen to thirty years old for the great opportunity to serve our great nation as surrogates for the Capitol. This is the greatest honor that could possibly be bestowed upon you, do not squander it or hinder with your doubts, this is a great honor. To be trusted with the job of bringing Capitol life into this world is the greatest thing you will ever be able to do, and we look forward to seeing you carry out your jobs with a smile and humility. Panem is a great nation and we shall not falter. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever."

The camera turns off and the room full of reporters and news channels break into a frenzy, all desperate to know exactly what this means.

"President Snow, what does this mean for the women of the Capitol?"

"President Snow, will children carried by District surrogates be considered District or Capitol?"

"President Snow, will you be taking a surrogate into your own home?"

"President Snow, what does your wife think of this?"

Coriolanus wears a neutral expression, he anticipated a plethora of questions and pushback, it's natural for humans to be curious about sudden change. He wonders what the women in the Districts are thinking right now. He already ordered a heightened Peacekeeper presence in all of the Districts to control and contain any possible outbursts with the news.

"The women in the Capitol will continue to flourish," he answers calmly, resting his hands on the sides of the podium, where he always stands behind when addressing the nation. "Capitol women are cherished by all and by bringing in surrogates, they'll be able to fulfill their destiny in becoming mothers and raising up the next generation."

This announcement has been made to everyone in Panem, Capitolites included which also leads him to wonder how the Capitol women are going to take the news. Livia nearly killed him and then herself so it probably won't blow over well.

"Children fathered by Capitol men will be naturalized, born as Capitol citizens," he clarifies, "they'll be raised in the Capitol and taught Capitol customs. The only discrepancy between a natural birth and a surrogacy is the woman carrying the child."

He knows that some men might be uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping with another woman who is not his wife, but it's for the good of the Capitol, and once they're done with training these surrogates, it'll be as normal as going to the doctor to get a vaccination.

"My wife and I are fully prepared to take a surrogate into our home, Livia stands by my decision as we are both eager for a child. We will be no different than any other Capitol couple bringing a surrogate into our home."

Coriolanus answers a few more questions before Quintus takes over since this is his big great idea. They still have to work out a lot of the kinks, it won't happen overnight but it's better than nothing.

It's all to safeguard their future.

꧁ ꧂

Four months later, the Handmaids are ready to come to the Capitol.

Quintus was the one who suggested the name, arguing that these women would be handing the Capitol a bright future, all while behaving meekly as a maid, quiet and unnoticed until needed.

And it sounded better than just referring to them as surrogates.

As expected, the Districts were greatly perturbed by this idea, this order that a significant population of women would be taken from their homes and shipped to the Capitol to be surrogates. A few riots broke out, shots were fired, things calmed down.

Screening took longer than expected, many women had one issue or another that disqualified them from the Handmaid Program. Too thin, too big, not strong enough, too strong. Coriolanus didn't want just any woman carrying a Capitol child, there were certain physical qualifications that a Handmaid had to meet. He didn't need these Handmaids to be models, but he didn't need wretched creatures either.

Some women were also infertile which caused the herds to thin more and more as screening continued. Other women were mentally ill, and they couldn't have those traits being passed down to Capitol children.

At the end of the day, the Capitol was looking for the perfect woman. With good physical and mental attributes, someone who could listen and learn quickly, someone who wouldn't cause any trouble.

They ended up finding about one thousand in total.

Only half of them would be brought to the Capitol while the others would remain in the District holding centers, waiting for an opportunity to help and serve their country.

It's a cold day when they all arrive on the trains but Coriolanus stands on the train platform, unshaken by the wind or temperature. Quintus stands to his right and Livia to his left and they watch the first train pull into the station. They decided on livestock trains since it would allow for the easiest transportation with the least expenses.

Coriolanus catches Livia glaring at him but pays her no mind.

This isn't about her. If it were, then she'd be able to give him a child but as they've previously established, she can't.

The train whines to a stop, allowing Peacekeepers to approach and open the sliding doors, locked from the outside with a padlock and chains.

Coriolanus watches women begin to descend from the train, all dressed identically with one another in their red dresses. Well-crafted, uniform, and simple. The Handmaids keep their heads lowered, pleasing Coriolanus, he had worried that their training might not be effective. It wasn't his first choice to use cattle prods on them but it seemed to drive the message home.

The Handmaids shuffle in a single file line towards the entrance of the station where they'll be taken in for one more examination before they're delivered to their assigned households.

"The new generation has begun my friend," Quintus grumbles. Coriolanus eyes his advisor, Quintus already had children so he will not be receiving a Handmaid, but he's been more than pleased with his idea coming to life.

"Let's just make sure none of them have fleas," Livia snaps, wrapping her arms around herself, "they look filthy." Coriolanus suppresses his tenth sigh of the day, Livia always manages to work on his last existing nerve. "They'll be thoroughly examined and cleaned before they're brought to their households Livia," he reminds his wife, "or did you forget that part of the briefing?"

Any eligible family who would be receiving a Handmaid was required to attend a briefing that would help prepare them for the change in their lives. Coriolanus and Livia were obviously in attendance, to show support and to prepare themselves for the inevitable change that their household would undergo.

Livia huffs and he can see her breath in the cold, bitter air, "Don't make me upset before noon."

Coriolanus lets a smile curl across his lips as the next train pulls into the station, "I wouldn't dream of it."

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn POV

It's cold when they arrive at the Capitol.

But then again, it's been cold since they were pushed into the train like livestock, and that was two days ago. Soarynn keeps her head lowered, focusing on the woman in front of her, taking one step after the other. It's easier to focus on small things when bigger things are at stake.

Soarynn didn't think her life could get much worse. Living in District Twelve, the arguably poorest District in Panem was already difficult enough. But then President Snow came on the television one day, talking about how Capitol women couldn't get pregnant so they were going to take District women from their homes to do it for them.

She was horrified. She thought about running away and never coming back. Her friend Jett, someone she thought she might marry one day was all for running. "We can get a head start on them darlin', they won't even know we're gone till it's too late," he had said to her.

But she couldn't leave her home, and despite all the odds, Soarynn was hopeful that she wouldn't be selected for the Handmaid Program. All eligible women were screened inside of the Justice Building. Soarynn remembers her best friend Dorothea going in before her and not coming back out.

When it was her turn, she had to tell the Capitol doctor all about her medical history. He asked her questions about her daily life, how much she ate and slept. Then he weighed her, measured her, and eventually, had her get completely naked. Soarynn had felt so ashamed, so exposed in front of this Capitol man.

"Better get used to it," was all he said about that.

He poked and prodded at her, taking some blood and saliva samples. Then she had to pee in a cup, he took that sample too. He filled out page after page about her until all the results came back.

She was perfect.

Soarynn only shed a single tear when she was told that she would be escorted back to her home to collect a few personal belongings before she'd be taken to a holding center.

Two Peacekeepers watched as she grabbed the few things she could not live without, the stuffed cat she's had since she was small, her colored pencils and sketchbook, the ribbon her mother always wore in her hair, and the pretty marble Jett bought her one day from the Hob.

Oh, Jett.

She didn't even get to say goodbye to him, to anyone.

It's not like she had any living family, in fact, it probably made her the perfect candidate, she was leaving behind virtually nothing and no one. She couldn't even bring her clothes since those would be provided for her.

The training was the hardest part, adjusting to this new life she'd be living was a scary thought.

Only one hundred women from Twelve passed all the screenings and made it to the holding center along with Soarynn. She was by far the youngest at only nineteen but no one seemed to care. Age was only a number for these people. She slept in a large room with all the other women, on a small cot with no privacy.

District Twelve got its own 'Aunt', a woman who would be in charge of looking after her "girls" as she liked to call them. Aunt Eudora was a force to be reckoned with. She was from the Capitol and was sent to prepare all of them to become Handmaids.

She taught them how to speak, how to address people in the Capitol, and how to act around people in the Capitol. Then she taught them how to conduct themselves in their assigned households. "Those women will not trust you," Aunt Eudora had once said to all of them, "they will think that you're going to steal their husbands away from them, bewitch them. But you girls, my girls, will do no such thing. You will conduct yourselves with decorum around the Lady of the House, for you will be carrying her child."

Learning how to act around the Man of the House was much easier in Soarynn's opinion. She would hardly interact with him, only for the bedding and that would be that.

They learned how to take orders, conform to a new way of thinking, and inevitably, prepare to have sex against their will. That was the one thing that terrified Soarynn, she was still a virgin and now that would be taken from her by a complete stranger, all so she could give him and his wife a baby.

They stayed in the holding center for about four months until it was finally time for them to leave.

Aunt Eudora promised to meet them in the Capitol and warned them that any misbehavior would end in punishment or execution. "You'll be under the Capitol's jurisdiction," she told them, pacing back and forth in front of them, "what you want, think, and feel does not matter anymore."

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn can't help but look around the large room she's currently sitting in. She heard one of the Peacekeepers say something about a bee and a hall but she didn't catch the entire thing. She supposes that it doesn't really matter anyway.

There are rows and rows of chairs, filled with Handmaids from all Twelve Districts, all dressed the exact same. Soarynn had almost forgotten that there were eleven more Districts training women like her to become the same thing. For a while, it felt like her holding center was the only one in existence.

One by one, they've all been called to separate rooms for one last screening. Her row has become empty, she is the last one.

"Nightingale."

Soarynn quietly stands up, allowing a Peacekeeper to lead her down the aisle and into a hallway. She keeps her eyes trained on the floor even when she hears a familiar voice. Aunt Eudora's.

"Look at me dear."

Soarynn slowly raises her gaze until she's staring into Aunt Eudora's green eyes. Aunt Eudora is very pretty in Soarynn's opinion. It's a shame that her job makes her and her personality ugly.

Aunt Eudora chuckles softly, resting her hands on Soarynn's face, holding her in an almost endearing way, "My dear, you have been given the greatest honor one could be given."

What the hell is she talking about?

Soarynn keeps a neutral expression, one she's been trained in.

"But first, we need to do one last screening, come, come, right this way."

Soarynn lets Aunt Eudora guide her into a small room, it's beautifully crafted with wood and marble carvings, even the ceiling has ornate designs. Is everything in the Capitol this fancy?

The fanciest building Soarynn had ever been in before this was the Justice Building but just this room alone puts it to shame.

There's another Capitol man waiting for them inside but he looks nicer than the other doctors she'd dealt with in the past. "This is her?" Aunt Eudora nods for Soarynn since nothing she says matters anymore, "Yes, this is her, one of my best girls."

Even though this is all horrible, and Aunt Eudora is a terrible person, Soarynn feels...honored to be considered one of her best. She never really caused any trouble at the holding center, too scared to try anything. There were other women however who caused a lot of trouble. Soarynn remembers poor Lucy Gray, always speaking out and trying to escape.

One day she just vanished from thin air, no more disruptions. Others whispered how she must've been sent back to town, too much work for such a small girl. But when they arrived at the train station to leave for the Capitol, they saw exactly what happened to Lucy Gray.

Soarynn couldn't believe what she was looking at used to be Lucy Gray. Her beautiful tan skin was pale, her rosy lips blue, and her throat was swollen and bruised from the noose tied around her neck.

Aunt Eudora doesn't seem too bothered by this loss.

"Very good then, let's have you strip and we can inspect you one last time."

Soarynn does as she's told, silently undressing until she's fully naked. She's become numb to being nude. Aunt Eudora has seen her naked body millions of times by now, mostly because she wanted Soarynn to put on a few pounds before coming to the Capitol.

Soarynn lets the man measure and weigh her. Then she sits on a small table while he checks her eyes, nose, and throat. He takes more blood but she doesn't have to pee in a cup this time. Soarynn almost jumps when he takes a firm hold of her breasts, squeezing her nipples between his cold fingers, "She's on the small side," he says to Aunt Eudora, "but she's responsive enough."

"Well, she'll fill out once she gets pregnant, milk does wonders for the breasts."

Soarynn says nothing.

The man finally lets go of her breasts and clears his throat, "Lie down."

Soarynn stares up at the ceiling while he spreads her legs apart, biting her tongue so she doesn't cry or say anything that will get her in trouble. Because she's a virgin, she's never been fully inspected. Something about keeping her as pure as possible. Whatever that means.

The man touches her down there for only a few minutes, saying a few things to Aunt Eudora who replies as if they're having dinner, not prying Soarynn apart.

"She's in perfect condition," he announces, patting Soarynn's hipbone, "you've done a wonderful job with her."

Little vines are carved into the marble veiling. Soarynn wonders if someone had to lay on their back like her right now to carve out the stone, or if the stone was already carved and then they put it up there.

"Sit back up dear."

Soarynn pushes herself back up, swinging her feet back and forth anxiously. She's going to get assigned a household now.

"I'm sure he'll be more than pleased with her."

The Man of the House.

Soarynn shivers at the thought of who will be in charge of everything she does and it's not even because she's naked in a very cold room.

"Oh yes. Soarynn, you have been given the great honor and privilege of carrying President Snow's baby!"

Soarynn looks up at Aunt Eudora, unable to care about her manners right now. Not once had she thought about the President needing a Handmaid, and certainly not the possibility of her becoming one for him.

"Why?" She whispers, gripping the edge of the table to steady herself. Soarynn was already prepared to be given a smaller, less important household due to the District she originated for. She's been told that District doesn't matter, but she knows it does.

District always matters.

Aunt Eudora looks puzzled, confused by Soarynn's confusion. "My dear, you have been selected out of hundreds of candidates to serve our President! Above all odds, you have come out on top. You should be thrilled!"

The man who just saw her most intimate parts stands behind Eudora and that's when Soarynn realizes that she's still being screened right now. If she doesn't act right, she'll be punished and assigned to a different household.

Isn't the President's household the best one to get?

It must be, is what she decides so she forces a smile onto her face which feels odd. Soarynn hasn't smiled in a long time, "I can't believe it," she forces out, doing her best to sound thrilled, "the President wants me to carry his baby?"

Aunt Eudora lets out an excited laugh, bouncing up and down on her feet, "Yes, yes he does and I know that you'll make me proud my dear."

Aunt Eudora keeps rambling about how exciting this is going to be for Soarynn, how honored she must feel. Soarynn tunes her out, only doing as she's told and putting her clothes back on. Aunt Eudora fusses with her hair for a moment, tucking it behind her ears and smoothing it down.

"I'll come with you," she says when they leave the room and walk back down the hallway, "help you get settled, introduce you to the Snows but then you'll be on your own Soarynn."

They walk back into the large room, more Handmaids are still sitting in their chairs, anxiously waiting to find out their fate. Soarynn looks straight ahead, it'll be easier if she just focuses on herself.

They get to go inside of a car. Soarynn can't believe that she gets to go inside of a car. Aunt Eudora takes them outside and down the steps and a shiny black car is waiting for them. "You're in for quite the treat, crystal chandeliers, beautiful gardens." Soarynn looks out the window once the car starts moving, eager to see the Capitol with her own eyes.

The car ride is quick, too quick for her liking but Aunt Eudora talks the whole time. They pull up to iron gates, guarded by Peacekeepers who nod and the gates start to open. Soarynn has only seen the President's Mansion on television but it's so beautiful in person, even she can admit that.

The car rolls up the gravel path until it stops at the side of the Mansion.

"Now remember, eyes down, closed mouth, best manners," Aunt Eudora reminds her, opening the car door. Soarynn nods meekly, she knows what happens to Handmaids who talk back. If it's a minor infraction, you could get resssigned to a new household. If it's something major, it's execution.

The Capitol has little tolerance for misbehavior and Soarynn plans on being as perfect as possible, even if it costs her a part of her soul.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus POV

Coriolanus gazes out of his study windows, a glass of bourbon in his right hand. It's cloudy right now, but still sunny enough to only need a light winter coat if he were to go for a stroll outside.

His Handmaid arrives any minute now.

Through careful selection and screenings, his advisors and the heads of the Handmaid Program were able to find five perfect candidates.

He went through each of their files one night, deciding it was best to leave Livia out of the decision-making, she'd be none the wiser and he would have something pretty to look at throughout the day. Three out of the five candidates were too old for his liking, older than his wife which immediately turned him off.

A man like him deserves ripe, fresh fruit for the taking.

The remaining two candidates were like night and day. One Handmaid who went by the name of Clemensia, a raven-haired girl with smooth skin and a sharp look in her eyes despite the training she's gone through. Some spirits just can't fully be broken when it comes to looking into the windows of the soul.

The other Handmaid, Soarynn, was in complete contrast to Clemensia. Her skin was covered with freckles and she had light blonde hair with bright blue eyes. And he could see that her spirit was long gone.

She was perfect.

He read over the rest of her file, nineteen, without a family, a virgin.

She'd be wide-eyed and bushy-tailed when she got here but Livia would quickly whip her into shape, he knew that much.

There's a knock at the doors, "Coriolanus? It's time, they're here," Quintus calls from outside. Coriolanus sighs, downing the rest of his drink in one go, he's going to need a few drinks these next few weeks with all the problems these women will bring with them. Despite the training, he knows they'll try and fight back.

It will be a learning curve for all of them, District and Capitol alike.

He and Quintus walk silently down the great hall, passing by several large portraits of the Snow family over the years. They used to be a great, strong family with many children.

Now it's just him and he cannot afford to let his family go quietly into the night.

This Handmaid determines his entire future.

Livia is standing by the grand staircase, out of sight from anyone standing in the foyer, peering around the corner. "They're inside?" Quintus asks once they reach Livia but all he gets in return is a nasty glare.

Coriolanus might have let it slip that this whole thing was really from Quintus, effectively shifting a majority of the blame onto him. He did it to himself really, and Coriolanus needs all the help and grace he can get when it comes to controlling his wife.

"Let's not keep them waiting then," Coriolanus decides for the group, forging forward to the foyer where he sees an Aunt and his new Handmaid quietly chatting with a Peacekeeper, or well, the Aunt is chatting. His Handmaid is silent with her head lowered.

He only catches the last few words of their conversation, "...truly honored to be a part of this," the Aunt gushes, a hand over her heart. Her green eyes meet his blue ones, widening in admiration, "President Snow, it is truly an honor to meet you, sir, we are deeply humbled that you would bring one of our very own District Twelve Handmaids into your home."

Livia makes a noise of disgust from behind him, "District Twelve? You didn't say she'd be from Twelve."

Coriolanus keeps his gaze on the woman in front of him who he already likes much better than Livia, "It doesn't matter Livia. One, Twelve, they're all the same in the end."

The Aunt bobs her head along with his words, "I can assure you that none of my girls will cause you any trouble, Mrs. Snow."

Coriolanus turns his attention to the young Handmaid standing by her Aunt, eyes trained on the floor.

"This must be Soarynn."

"Yes, Soarynn dear, I'd like you to meet President Snow, and his wife, Livia Snow, the First Lady."

Livia finally steps forward and he can feel the hatred and arrogance radiating off of her body, "Look at me," she orders in a haughty tone. Soarynn slowly raises her head and only for a moment is he genuinely taken aback by her natural beauty.

Yes, he made the right decision by choosing her. It's always nice to have something pretty to look at.

"This is my house," Livia says, "my house and my rules, I expect you to conform and follow them without any issues, am I clear?"

"Yes, Mrs. Snow," Soarynn answers softly, her voice is smooth like honey.

Livia looks Soarynn up and down, sizing the girl up no doubt, "My husband is a very important man, he doesn't have time for little whores trying to seduce him." Coriolanus gives Livia a warning look but she's on a roll now, "When you're not spreading your legs for him, you'll be bending over backward for me, doing what I need since I shall soon be a mother."

"Yes, Mrs. Snow."

That must be what Livia was looking for, compliance and submission. "I'll be upstairs, don't let her come up there."

The small party remains silent as she walks away, only her high heels on the hardwood floor make a noise until Quintus clears his throat. "Well, we're more than pleased with how the Program has been going, you ladies have done an excellent job getting your girls into shape. What was your name again?"

"Oh, thank you Mr. Heavensbee, my name is Eudora, Aunt Eudora to my girls. They've come such a long way and once again, we are so honored that you've selected Soarynn to carry your future heir President Snow."

Coriolanus offers her a polite smile, he feels neither love nor hatred for the Aunts who have been preparing these Handmaids. They're neutral characters in his life, much like Avoxes or Peacekeepers, only needed when necessary.

"I look forward to what the future will bring for me and my family," he tells her, "why don't I show you to the Handmaid's quarters and you can help Soarynn get settled?"

He's met with eager nods from Eudora and silence from Soarynn. He likes her already. Coriolanus leads the small convoy through his home while Quintus and Eudora chat the entire way about the Program and how successful it's been. It's a shame that Quintus is married and Eudora is an Aunt because they'd be perfect for one another.

Neither of them ever stops talking.

Coriolanus looks behind him only once to find Soarynn listlessly following behind everyone. He half expected her to try and make a run for it but she's loyally following her Aunt.

He hopes she'll be this well-behaved when she's gone.

Aunts will be kept busy in the next few weeks, going from household to household to check in on their girls and ensure everything is well. They'll be so busy that in order to become an Aunt, they had to swear off marriage, never sharing a bed with a man ever again. It's the type of sacrifice not every woman is willing to make, but any woman over the age of forty-five, well past her childbearing years was welcome to apply for the honorable position.

"Soarynn, dear, Mr. Heavensbee says that his friend's Handmaid is also from Twelve, perhaps you two will know each other."

Soarynn says nothing.

Coriolanus guides them down a small hallway to the right with a large window at the end of the narrow hall. "We have several rooms," he tells Eudora, "we didn't know how many Handmaids to anticipate."

It's true, Coriolanus had debated taking on more than one Handmaid to ensure that he'd be able to produce an heir, but decided on just one. He wouldn't want to look like he was being greedy.

"Well, this is more than enough for Soarynn, isn't that right dear?"

"Yes, Aunt Eudora."

Finally, they reach Soarynn's room, the last door on the left of the hallway. "Here we are," he announces, reaching into his pocket. There are two keys to Soarynn's room, both he and Livia are in possession of them.

The room only locks from the outside.

He unlocks the door and pushes it open. The room is simple, with four walls, and a twin bed pushed into the back right corner. There's a window on the far right wall that overlooks the gardens, offering her the same view he has from his study. On the left wall is a single door that leads to a small ensuite bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower.

A trunk sits at the foot of her bed where she can store her clothes and any other personal belongings. A small table sits beside her bed, serving as a nightstand.

In the far left corner is a wooden chair, and a red rug lies in the middle of the floor.

It's simple. Hard to mess up.

It's perfect.

"Oh, how quaint," Eudora murmurs as she steps into the room, Soarynn in tow. "Her belongings will be delivered before dinner," Quintus informs them.

Eudora rests her hands on Soarynn's shoulders, gently guiding her into the bathroom where Coriolanus can only hear whispers.

He only catches one sentence.

"Make me proud."

꧁ ꧂

Livia is fuming.

'

It's not even four o'clock yet which means that she intends on setting a new record where bitchy behavior is concerned. Coriolanus walks right past her, too tired to deal with this behavior right now. After making sure that Soarynn was settled, he walked Eudora and Quintus out to their respective cars where both parties promised to stop by on different days to see how things were going.

It's strange to know that someone else is living under his roof. He's far used to the Avoxes and the rest of his household staff which includes the cooks, gardeners, and Peacekeepers.

He's never had a Handmaid before.

"You locked her door?"

Coriolanus walks into their shared closet, a massive space for just two people, "Of course I did," he calls back, "do you take me for a fool?" He only hears grumbles from Livia, she probably thinks he's the biggest idiot in the world but he could care less what she thinks.

Women's thoughts are at the bottom of his totem pole of importance.

He locked the door mostly to establish dominance, so she would immediately know that he was the Man of the House. She hadn't said a word when they all filed out of the room, she just sat on the edge of her bed with her hands clasped in her lap.

He left her to gather her thoughts, instructing her to come to dinner at six. They won't take their meals together often, but Eudora insisted that it was important to establish a somewhat friendly relationship between all of them to guarantee the best and quickest results.

"I'm taking you for a lot of things right now." Oh, now she's in the closet, how lovely. Coriolanus doesn't consider himself to be an affectionate husband or partner by any means, he doesn't like hugs, only kisses her when absolutely necessary, and only takes her to bed when he needs to relieve stress.

Despite all of these attempts to put as much distance as possible between the two of them, Livis still comes crawling back for his validation.

It's very agitating.

"I just need you to take this seriously," he replies, taking off his suit jacket, "this is our only chance at an heir." Her footsteps grow closer until she's standing right behind him, her perfume reeks, it pains his nostrils, and burns at his throat.

"I am taking this seriously," she hisses, "you don't think I care about our future?" Coriolanus turns, looking down at his pathetic little wife who is a constant pain in his side, a thorn in his side.

"But it's hard to take anything seriously with that little whore sleeping downstairs, under my roof." Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, he is described as many things by those who meet him. Stern, cold, authoritative, evil, harsh.

He's also old-fashioned.

His hand shoots out, grabbing Livia by the jaw within seconds, "You live under my roof," he says quietly, watching her eyes grow wider at his actions, "and from the way you're acting right now, I'd argue that you're worth no more than that Handmaid downstairs. You're both women, and you'd do well to remember that."

He releases her as quickly as he grabs her, wiping his hand off on his pants. "Dinner with our Handmaid is at six," he tells her casually, walking out of the closet, "don't be late."

His wife might grow to actually hate him, but that's alright with him.

Coriolanus has a future to focus on, to safeguard, and now he has all the tools to get to it.

His little Handmaid is simply a stepping stone on the way to his predestined destination.

For her sake, he hopes that Soarynn won't give him a hard time, being a Handmaid, she's alone, isolated, beaten down.

She's in his house now, and Snow is going to land on top once again.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| Part 1. |

| taglist: @wonderlandbound111 @evilmenarehot @strawberriicakes @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @melodyoflovee @matcha-muses @kickmybark @cervvsq @erensrealgf @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @snowgirl12 @lovelylove268|

[slaymitchabernathy]

His Darling Dancer

Tears burn in Soarynn's eyes as she closes the front doors to her apartment. She knows that in order to successfully sneak into the bathroom without being spotted, it will require stealth and not running into the one person she really doesn't want to see right now.

She sniffles, quietly padding down the hallway toward her room. If luck is on her side, he's in his study right now, working hard to bring home the bacon. She can hear their hurtful words echoing around in her head, piercing her heart like bullets.

"She's got two left feet."

"She's so uncoordinated."

"I pity her husband, if she can't learn the steps, imagine what else she can't learn."

Soarynn chokes back a sob, stopping it at the top of her throat so it doesn't escape and alert anyone who might be listening. She's already decided that she'll have a proper cry, then take a shower and pretend to be sick.

She hurries into her bedroom, shutting the doors behind her and lets out a small sigh of relief. The hardest part, making it down the hall without being seen, is over with. She goes to walk into the bathroom, head lowered in shame and embarrassment over what happened today when she collides with a large wall that smells like roses.

Coriolanus.

His hands immediately fall to her waist, steadying her so she doesn't trip. She's always been a bit clumsy.

"Darling, you're home from class early," he notes.

Soarynn stares down at his shiny black shoes. Since the day she met Coriolanus, he's always known exactly who he is. A businessman, a successful businessman who's never stepped out of his lane. Perhaps she should heed his actions and stop trying to be something she's not. At least she'd stop wasting his hard-earned money with her silly little hobbies like ballet.

It's almost funny how different their attire is today. Him, dressed in an expensive suit with his shiny shoes and gelled-back curls. And her, dressed in her black leotard and light pink skirt, with pink tights and ballet slippers.

It looks like she's playing pretend.

She doesn't say anything and she doesn't dare look up at him for she knows that if she stares into those bright blue eyes, she'll finally burst into tears.

All she does is nod.

"Is everything alright? Did something happen?" He presses, worry seeping into his tone. Coriolanus has always been protective over Soarynn and her sensitive heart. She sometimes worries that he must be tired of her overreactions to every little thing that goes wrong in her life. Perhaps he wishes he married someone else. He certainly had his pick of the litter.

But he chose her and that has to mean something.

Right?

Soarynn shakes her head with trembling lips and shaking hands, more shameful memories flood into her head. She remembers how she showed up to her ballet class today, with her little bag and her hair tied into a bun. She got to class a little earlier than usual today, wanting to have some more time to warm up and stretch.

Soarynn has been taking ballet classes for a few months now, she thought it would be fun and Coriolanus was more than encouraging for her to try something new. He thought it would be good for her to put herself out there, "make friends," he had said.

She hasn't particularly been doing too well on that front.

She tries, she tries to make friends with the other girls in her class but they all know each other which makes it hard to connect. But she didn't let that stop her from learning ballet. She enjoyed it immensely, even if she was always singled out, always without a partner.

She never mentioned that to Coriolanus when he asked her about class.

She enjoyed the classes, why would she mention that one little tidbit of information, useless information in her opinion?

Until today when most of the girls were also there early, stretching by the mirrors that covered the entire left wall. She saw them looking at her, whispering about her.

"Look at her tights."

"Look at her skirt, it's so ugly."

Soarynn had just pretended not to hear them, deciding to stretch out in the hallway instead. Then came the actual lessons. Soarynn wasn't doing as well as she had last class, messing up counts, stumbling, and tripping a few times. It was when she fell down that it all went downhill.

In a theatrical cliche, the music stopped and everyone looked down at her on the ground. While her teacher asked if she was alright, her classmates whispered about her, sharing rude comments and gossip.

"She's got two left feet."

"Maybe she needs to practice with the little girls instead."

Soarynn was willing to look past all those comments along with the ones made previously at the beginning of class. She'd tell herself that they were all having a bad day even though she was having the worst one.

But then came the lowest blow, right as she was pushing herself off the ground she caught the quietest whisper.

"It's like we're all graceful swans and Soarynn is the ugly duckling."

Soarynn couldn't bear it any longer, she grabbed her things and fled the class, telling her teacher that she wasn't feeling well after that fall.

"Soarynn? Soarynn what happened? Who did this to you?"

He gently grabs her elbow, lifting it up so he can properly see the bruise forming on it. Turns out the fall was both emotionally and physically painful for her.

Finally, the dam breaks, and her tears fall freely down her face. "I...I fell," she cries, burying her face in his crisp white shirt. Coriolanus pays no mind to the cleanliness of his shirt, all too focused and worried about his crying wife. He lets go of her elbow to cradle the back of her head, his large hand easily covers it.

"Darling," he says in his softest, gentlest tone, only reserved for her, "darling tell me what actually happened."

Soarynn squeezes her eyes shut, the memory is too painful to bear right now. She just wants to go to sleep and possibly never wake up again but she knows that Coriolanus won't allow it. He wants answers.

She hears him sigh, feels it too when his broad chest expands and then contracts under his shirt. Even fully dressed he feels so strong, like he's capable of fixing anything for her.

"Let's come into the bathroom and get you cleaned up hmm?"

Soarynn doesn't say anything to protest his suggestion which leads to her sitting on her vanity stool while he crouches down in front of her, tissues and first aid kit in hand.

"Are you bleeding anywhere?"

She can't bring herself to talk right now so a simple headshake will have to do. "Ah, well, let's fix these tears then," he says, gently wiping her face with a soft tissue. Soarynn closes her eyes again, so embarrassed that he has to see her like this. She wishes she weren't so fragile and sensitive. Coriolanus never lets anything get to him.

Soarynn sits there quietly in her stupid ballet clothes that she's never going to wear again. Maybe she can sell them to someone. She'd been so excited to go buy clothes for her class, even gave Coriolanus a bit of a fashion show which he loved, complimenting every leotard and skirt.

Once her tears are gone and her sniffling has stopped, Coriolanus asks her one more time.

"What happened darling?"

She wishes she could forget that today ever happened.

"I um, I went to class," she starts, her voice so soft that he has to lean in to hear her better, "and I um, I got there early, so I could stretch." Coriolanus nods, he helped her do her bun today after breakfast, slicked it back with some of the gel he uses for his curls.

Soarynn usually opted for a braid or ponytail but after seeing how the other girls did their hair, she wanted to fit in. So she asked him to help her and he did, he took the time out of his busy morning to help her do her hair.

And now it's all ruined.

More tears threaten to spill but he's quick to wipe them away with the brush of his thumb, "It's alright," he says, "it's alright darling."

Soarynn whimpers, it’s not alright. Nothing is alright. She’s ashamed of how easily she lets others get to her, how a handful of words can ruin her entire day, especially when she knows that Coriolanus actually has real problems to deal with.

From what she’s heard and what he’s told her, his job as a businessman can be very stressful with people talking at him from every direction. He’s constantly in the spotlight, criticized for every move he makes. Soarynn had vowed to herself that she’d never give anyone a reason to criticize him because of her.

She would always be good, sweet, and quiet. Which she mostly is, to begin with but now her acts of kindness hold more weight to them. She cannot afford to act out if she values her husband’s reputation.

She dares to look into his eyes, like a calm sea after a storm. Her eyes are a more stormy blue mixed with gray, always filled with tears whereas his are calm and stable, steadying her with a single glance.

Coriolanus has been nothing but good to her since they first met. Soarynn had been attending a gala as one does in the Capitol. She had gotten overwhelmed by the noise and the people, the judgmental glances and whispers she’d grown used to.

Being beautiful is a gift but also a curse, if people can’t give you flack for your physical appearance, they’ll dig hard and deep to find something else to hate. In Soarynn’s case, it was her timid nature and her sensitive heart.

She had escaped to one of the many grand hallways in the mansion where the gala was being thrown, desperate for some fresh air. She walked down the long hall, breathing in and out, glad to be away from the prying eyes when one of the many doors opened, about ten men flooding out of the room they were just in.

It must have been a quick meeting or something from what she’s gathered, unplanned but at the same time, perfectly planned for her to meet Coriolanus for the first time.

She had stood by the window as they all walked out, her eyes drawn to the tallest man in the group. He looked so handsome in his dark blue suit, with his curls perfectly styled. He had merely glanced over at her for a second before he broke away from the group to inquire if she was alright.

From the very start, he’s been so sweet, so gentle, and caring towards her. He’s never yelled, not even raised his voice. He’s taken things extremely slow with Soarynn who hadn’t courted anyone before him. Even on their wedding night, he was so patient, guiding her through the scary steps of losing her virginity.

He had kissed all over her face to make her laugh, tickled her sides, and held her so delicately. Having sex was something Soarynn knew nothing about but she liked it, liked how close she was able to be with him when they did it.

She often wonders if he'd prefer some girl with more experience, someone willing to take the initiative when it comes to doing things in the bedroom. Soarynn rarely has the courage to kiss him let alone undress him.

But that's not important right now, clearly not to him since he looks so very worried for her well-being. "I fell," she whispers, "I fell and they said terrible things about me. They said...they said I was an ugly duckling."

It sounds so silly now that she's said it out loud but she can see in her husband's eyes how angry he is, how those words have now affected him and their small family. Coriolanus might be the calm in the middle of the storm but he doesn't mind going out into the terrible weather, she's seen it before, how he's not scared of putting his neck on the line for the people he cares about.

More tears fall down her face, Soarynn wishes he'd just leave her be since she already has a full day of crying planned out but he stays right in front of her, a more hardened look in his eyes now that she's told him the length of what happened.

"How long has this been happening, darling?"

Soarynn bites her lip. Coriolanus doesn't like it when people lie to him, and she doesn't want to lie to him but she hasn't exactly been telling the truth either. She's really just been leaving out small parts of the story if she's being honest, only parts that have to do with her being an outcast and left out of everything they do in class.

Nothing important.

Coriolanus gently cups her face with his large hand and Soarynn leans into his touch, feeling as though all the problems in the world can be fixed by her husband.

"It's been happening for quite some time," she quietly admits, looking back down at her lap, "I try to make friends but they don't like me."

She hears him sigh, it's not an angry sigh which is good, she doesn't want him to be angry with her. "Why didn't you tell me about this darling? We could've fixed this problem months ago, I hate that you've had to go through all of this by yourself."

Coriolanus, unfortunately, has a point. If she just had a little courage, a bit of a backbone then this could've been resolved a long time ago. But she doesn't want him to worry about her, and about these little things.

Soarynn shrugs, "Maybe they're just having a bad day."

Coriolanus leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek, "Oh my darling girl, you're too good for this world you know that?"

Soarynn blushes at the petname, he's always called her darling since he insists that it's exactly what she is. "You're just such a darling little thing," he had told her when she asked him about it.

"I don't want anyone to get in trouble," she adds, looking into his eyes when he pulls away, grabbing her skirt and nervously tugging on the fabric, "and I...I also don't want to go back to class anymore, if that's okay with you."

Coriolanus could easily say that she still has to go. He already paid for all the classes up front and there's to be a small recital in about a month. And he paid for the clothes, the shoes, Soarynn is starting to realize how much of a burden she is for Coriolanus.

His brows furrow, confliction evident in his face, Coriolanus Snow is not a quitter, but his wife might be. "But you've worked so hard darling," he reminds her, "and there are other ways to fix this problem besides running from it."

Ouch.

He means well, she knows that, but Soarynn is all for giving up and not looking back. It's that damned determination that makes him so charming and noble in her eyes, never backing down from a fight.

Soarynn sniffles, wiping her nose with the back of her hand now that the tears seem to be coming to an end, "Like what?"

He gives her a small smile, "Don't you worry about a thing darling."

꧁ ꧂

꧁ One Month Later ꧂

Soarynn navigates her way to the front of the theater, adrenaline rushes through her veins after the performance she just put on with the other girls in her class. She still can't believe how well it went and most importantly, how she didn't fall.

Soarynn finally reaches the lobby of the theater where tons of people are milling around, all offering their congratulations to the ballerinas they came to support. Soarynn gets a few looks from some of the girls, but they don't say anything mean to her and that's all she can really ask for.

Soarynn carefully weaves through the crowd, looking for the one person who promised he'd be here. It would be one thing to fall during their performance, but another thing entirely to be without anyone supporting her in the audience.

Soarynn is beginning to worry that he wasn't able to make it, that a meeting ran late, or that something came up when someone taps her on the shoulder. Soarynn turns around and breaks into a grin when she sees her husband, her handsome, lovely, supportive husband with a bouquet of roses in his hand.

"You came," she gasps, throwing her arms around him. Coriolanus chuckles, wrapping his free hand around her frame, "Of course I did darling, I had to come see my darling little dancer." Soarynn beams at his words, nothing else matters when she's with him, not the mean words or the nasty looks.

They're already getting a few looks from some of the other ballerinas and their husbands but Coriolanus glares right back, standing firm in his support for his wife. Soarynn doesn't know what he did exactly after he found her crying and found out what was happening to her.

She just remembers him helping her change into her pajamas and carrying her to bed. He brought her tea and smoothed down her hair, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before promising to take care of everything and not to worry her pretty little head about it.

He never told her what happened, what he did, what he said, but class became much more bearable and Soarynn even managed to make a friend in the process.

"You were terrific by the way," he adds, "practice truly does make perfect because you were the best one on stage." Soarynn blushes at the compliment, she certainly wasn't the best but she wasn't the worst one on stage and she's okay with that.

"Well thank you for coming," she says softly so he leans in to hear her over the voices filling the room, "you really didn't have to." Coriolanus firmly shakes his head, almost looking offended by her words, "I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

Well, that's sweet.

The roses smell sweet as well, an intoxicating scent that overwhelms her entirely and reminds her of Coriolanus. Despite the expensive colognes he uses, he always smells of roses.

"I say we got out and celebrate tonight," he suggests, guiding them through the thick crowd, "we can even stop by the petshop afterward." Soarynn perks up at the mention of the petshop, one of her favorite places to drag Coriolanus to whenever he has the time.

Soarynn often visits the cute white kitten in the shop but she only goes inside when she's with Coriolanus since he has no issues asking if she can hold the small feline. Soarynn is far too shy to ask so she settles for looking through the window, dragging her finger along the glass for the kitten to follow and try to catch.

"Can we get that little white kitten? She's just so sweet and it would be the perfect end to the day," Soarynn tries, feeling a bit of courage after conquering the stage and the gossiping ballerinas. If she can handle this, she can handle anything.

Coriolanus chuckles, rubbing her side and she knows he'll say yes, it's moments like this where she has him in the palm of her hand. Coriolanus might be stern and cold to the rest of the world, but Soarynn knows that he'd also burn it if she asked him to.

As they're stepping out onto the street he answers her question, once again solidifying that so long as she stays by his side, he'll stay by hers.

"Anything for my darling dancer."

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @kickmybark @evilmenarehot @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @melodyoflovee @erensrealgf @cervvsq @snowgirl12 @lovelylove268 |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Passing By

| in honor of tom turning 30, here’s coryo turning 30 :)) |

“Do you like it? Is it good?”

Coriolanus continues chewing the cake in his mouth, letting the flavors melt all over his tongue. It’s vanilla, a simple flavor but he’s a simple man.

Besides, he loves vanilla because she smells like vanilla.

He looks up from his plate and finds his girlfriend staring at him with such an intensity in her eyes. She wants this to be perfect for him, from the cake to the entire day even though it’s almost over.

Coriolanus has two hours left to enjoy his birthday.

It’s not really that special to him, never has been, never will be. Thirty is a basic number, it just means that he’s on track, nothing to celebrate. Forty is when he’ll start taking things more seriously.

But Soarynn cares. She cares about everything including his birthday. It’s a shame he had to work today. The office has been making him work longer hours and with rent going up, it’s not like he has a choice.

The bitter part of him mind wishes he were younger only so he could have more time to make a better life for himself, for her.

They should be living on the Corso, not in this tiny, cramped one bedroom apartment. The heat doesn’t always work, the water is always frigid and sometimes rats chew through the walls.

She still bought him cake though.

Only once slice since that’s all the bakery had left when she got off her own shift at work. Soarynn works as a seamstress, it’s hard on her hands but it brings home some money so she stays there and works hard.

He wishes she didn’t have to work at all.

“It’s very good,” he tells her, still chewing but Coriolanus knows the longer he takes the answer, the more anxious she’ll get. Soarynn sighs, sitting on her knees, “Good, I couldn’t find any candles, sorry.”

Coriolanus shakes his head, placing a hand on her knee, “No need to be sorry darling, the cake is more than enough.”

Soarynn gives him a soft but tired smile. He knows she’s as exhausted as he is when it comes to living this life.

He came home exhausted, ready to go straight to bed when he found Soarynn in their small bedroom, with the slice of cake and a card. He already read the card, it’s sweet, she’s so sweet to him.

“Still,” she mumbles, brushing her hair behind her ears, “wish I could’ve gotten you something else. Some new shoes maybe.”

His shoes started getting holes in them about a month ago. Coriolanus didn’t mention it to Soarynn, didn’t want to worry her. Looks like she still noticed.

“For your birthday we’ll go out for dinner,” he tells her, setting the plate down. Soarynn’s lips twitch into a frown, “No we won’t.”

Now they’re both frowning.

Coriolanus wishes more than anything that they could afford the smallest of luxuries. New shoes, a night out on the town, new clothes for Soarynn, fresh groceries.

He always liked to think that Snow landed on top but he seems to be stuck at the very bottom.

At least he has Soarynn. With her, he feels like he’s on top of the world.

“Yes we will,” he says gently, giving her knee a squeeze, “I know I’ve been working longer hours but that means a little extra spending money. Might even be able to get you some new dresses hmm?”

Soarynn shakes her head, “Coryo we won’t celebrate my birthday.”

“Yes we will darling, twenty-nine is a big thing to celebrate.”

“Coryo, I never got to turn twenty-eight.”

Coriolanus closes his eyes but it doesn’t help. Doesn’t help him forget that she’s not even here right now. That Soarynn died almost a year ago in a car accident when she was crossing the street to get to work one morning.

He didn’t even find out until he got off of work and realized that she never made it home.

And he never got to say goodbye.

When he opens his eyes, he’s alone in his room, in his tiny, crappy apartment with no Soarynn. No warmth. No laughter. No kisses.

Just him and the slice of cake he bought himself on the way home from work because he knew she’d want him to celebrate.

Even though he doesn’t want to.

There is nothing to celebrate now that she’s gone.

“We’ll still celebrate,” he decides, ignoring her.

He doesn’t talk to Soarynn often, it’s too painful. And she only comes to visit him every so often, like on days like this.

Just like time, she’s only passing by.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @kickmybark @wonderlandbound111 @melodyoflovee @evilmenarehot @erensrealgf @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Older & Wiser

| "...you're so much older and wiser and I, I wait by the door like I'm just a kid, use my best colors for your portrait..." |

Growing up, Soarynn heard lots of advice when it came to dating men.

Don’t date anyone who comes from a different financial background than you do. Upper class married the upper class, middle class married the middle class, and lower class married the lower class.

Those things don’t mix.

She was also told to wait until marriage. A good Capitol girl saves herself for marriage so that her husband knows that she’s pure, untouched by anyone but him.

Plus, it eliminates the fear of an unwanted pregnancy.

And although it was never directly stated, she knew that girls her age should stay far away from older men who were far too busy and important for girls like her.

But no one ever mentioned Coriolanus Snow.

It’s a damn shame that he’s thirty because he could easily pass for twenty-five. He’s so effortlessly charming, always knowing just what to say and working the room. He��s overly successful, rich beyond reason, devilishly handsome, and best of all, he’s obsessed with Soarynn.

They met one night at a silent auction. She had been dragged along by her good friend Livia Cardew who was looking for both a new piece of art and a potential husband.

She found the second one, Festus Creed, and left Soarynn to wander around the art gallery once the auction came to a close. She had been admiring a certain piece when Coriolanus came up to introduce himself.

However, a man like him needs no introduction, especially after placing the highest bid of the night. Still, she let him charm her, compliment her, and share a little bit about himself. By the time she had to leave, he had arranged for her to be picked up and taken to dinner at the end of the week.

Soarynn had been giddy with excitement, she never really dated while attending school so she didn't know what to expect but he surpassed every one of her expectations. They had dinner in a private room, lit by candlelight. The service was impeccable, Soarynn felt as if she were eating dinner with the President himself.

She learned a bit more about Coriolanus and the type of man he was, the type of man to crave dominance and control. She also learned that he had yet to marry because he hadn't found the right woman yet and was in no rush to settle down.

Despite hearing that, Soarynn held onto the hopes that she might be the one, the future Mrs. Snow.

Even now, waking up in his large bed alone, she hopes that one day he'll see that she's the one.

Coriolanus often rises before the sun, showering and getting ready for work which leaves Soarynn to wake up alone in his large penthouse apartment. The first time she woke up alone she had felt so...out of place. His penthouse is opulent, filled with tasteful furniture and expensive artwork. Everything about him screams how important he is.

But the household staff didn't bat an eye when she stumbled out of his bedroom in nothing but a borrowed button-up shirt from his closet the first time she slept over.

Now she's more than used to being here by herself, he even gave her a key! Soarynn just knows that it's a step in the right direction, that it shows how much he trusts her. She certainly trusts him, after all, she let him take her virginity.

He had been so sweet the first time, so patient and gentle, making it a magical experience for Soarynn. They often partake in rougher more passionate sex since she's more experienced and Coriolanus Snow is an excellent lover in the bedroom, always bringing her to a delicious orgasm without even trying.

Soarynn wakes up sore every morning in this apartment, covered in love bites in places that only he can see. Coriolanus is terribly possessive over everything he owns and Soarynn believes that he views her the same way, clear property of Coriolanus Snow and she's not mad about it.

It's her close friends who question his motives. They bring it up all the time how she should be cautious with an older man like him. "A man like Coriolanus Snow wants one thing and one thing only," Livia had told Soarynn one night at dinner, "I just don't want you to get hurt Soarynn."

But Soarynn had assured Livia that she knew what she was doing, Coriolanus would never hurt her.

She rolls over to face his empty side of the bed and smiles when she sees that a bouquet of roses has been left for her along with a little card. She takes the card and opens it, reading what he scribbled on the paper.

Buy yourself something pretty, darling. - Coriolanus

Soarynn can't help but squeal and kick her feet in excitement. He loves to spoil her. New shoes, new bags, new jewelry, new clothes and all on his card. Not that Soarynn can't afford these things on her own, but she's not going to be an idiot and decline such gifts.

Soarynn eventually pulls herself out of bed and goes into the bathroom, skimming her fingers on the marble countertops, imagining a life where she lives here all the time and has a vanity of her own. She does have a very small section of his closet filled with clothes she's left or purchased over the past few months.

She chooses a white dress, with a flattering neckline, short enough to drive him mad, and very flattering on her figure. She pairs the dress with red heels to give her outfit a pop of color along with gold jewelry. She puts on the necklace he gave to her just last week with a golden rose pendant hanging on the delicate chain.

Soarynn still doesn't have a lot of makeup in his bathroom, just a few toiletries and hair products so she'll buy some things today. She brushes through her long blonde hair, remembering how his fingers felt pulling on it last night. Soarynn sighs at her reflection, her life is so perfect, he is so perfect.

All she needs is a ring on her finger.

꧁ ꧂

"Ms. Nightingale, there's a phone call for you."

Soarynn looks up from the sofa she's sitting on, wearing only one shoe since she was about to try on another one with the help of the saleswoman. "Oh, alright, I'll be right back," she says, flashing the saleswoman an apologetic smile. She follows the other employee, a salesman to the back of the store where the phone is waiting for her to answer in the back hallway.

She brings the phone to her ear, "Hello?"

"Darling, it's Coriolanus."

Her lips curl up into a smile the second she hears his deep voice along with the pet name he gave to her, "How did you know where to find me?" She asks him, amazed at his ability to always know of her whereabouts. She rarely ever knows where he is but it seems that he prefers for things to be that way.

"I knew you'd turn up here eventually," he tells her, sounding prideful, "and I wanted to make sure that you were actually spending my money the proper way."

Soarynn giggles, twirling the phone cord around her index finger, "I am," she promises sweetly, "I was trying on shoes before you called."

"What color?"

Soarynn bites her lip before answering, "Blue."

There's a pause and she worries he might not approve, Coriolanus has a good sense of fashion and she's always trying to get his approval.

"Good, they'll bring out your eyes," he finally says and she sighs in relief. "Yes, I thought so too, are you still at work?"

Rarely does Coriolanus ever tell Soarynn about what his day entails, if he wants to see her, he calls her and she comes running. Their roles have never been reversed but once again, he prefers it that way. And she's not one to complain, Coriolanus is a very busy and very important man, she's lucky he can see her as often as he does.

"I am, although I might be at the office later than I normally am. Last minute meeting," he says as if that explains everything. Soarynn's smile turns into a frown, she was hoping to see him tonight, to spend the evening with Coriolanus wrapped in his strong arms.

"Oh," is all she says, her voice quieter than before.

"You should have dinner with some of your little friends, my treat darling."

Well, that's sweet of him. Soarynn leans against the wall and toes the ground, "You're so good to me," she tells him, knowing how much Coriolanus likes having his ego stroked, "I truly don't deserve your generosity."

The low chuckle that comes from her lover is all Soarynn needs to hear to know that she said the right thing, "Spend the night and you'll wake up next to me in the morning," he promises before she hears voices in the background, "I have to go, darling, I'll see you later."

"Goodbye," Soarynn whispers just as he hangs up the phone.

She wonders if he'd go into more detail if they were married, or engaged, or courting.

While they spend lots of time together with and without clothes on, nothing official has ever come of it and it's slowly beginning to eat away at Soarynn's heart.

She just has to act like it isn't.

꧁ ꧂

"Festus is being so annoying," Livia whines over dinner that night, "he won't stop pestering me about meeting his parents. We just started seeing each other!"

The bitter, jealous part of Soarynn wants to snap at Livia and remind her friend that she should be grateful that she actually has someone to call her own, unlike Soarynn.

But she bites her tongue and diligently nods to her friend's complaints, "That's so terrible Liv," Soarynn says, placing a sympathetic hand on top of Livia's, "he should respect your space and needs." Soarynn would be lying to herself if she said that she didn't want to be in Livia's shoes.

Livia is adored so publically, so openly by Festus who happens to be a good friend of Coriolanus. Soarynn wonders if Festus might pass along a hint for her, telling Coriolanus to hurry up and make her his.

People know that Coriolanus and Soarynn are friendly, that they spend a lot of time together but they're not courting so it doesn't even count. A bottle of champagne is brought over to their table by the waiter, "Oh, we didn't order that," Livia tells the man who politely shakes his head. "Compliments of Mr. Snow," he explains.

All the girls gasp at the sweet gesture, especially Soarynn because this must mean something. If he's sending her champagne then he must feel bad about working late tonight, which means that he's thinking about her.

"How sweet," she finally says, accepting the bottle, "he's always been so thoughtful."

"Has he mentioned courting you yet?" Clemensia asks from across the table, causing Soarynn to shake her head. "Not yet," she answers, "but it's coming soon, I just know it."

꧁ ꧂

Exhausted from a day of shopping and dinner, Soarynn is fast asleep in her lover's bed when he curls up behind her, wrapping a strong arm around her waist. Soarynn sighs and Coriolanus groans, hooking his chin over her bare shoulder, "How was dinner with the girls?"

Soarynn keeps her eyes shut, enjoying how his skin feels against hers, "It was good, the champagne was so sweet." Coriolanus shifts behind her and she can feel his bare chest pressing on her bare back, he always craves physical touch the most at night.

"My secretary suggested it," he mumbles, his voice growing deeper as he falls asleep, causing her heart to shatter into a million pieces. She thought that he was the one who sent the champagne, who thought of the sweet gesture. Not his secretary.

Soarynn feels her mood souring even more than before. She was already upset that she didn’t get to see him all day but this champagne is the last fucking straw.

Soarynn needs someone to appreciate her, to care about her, genuinely care about her.

She just wanted it to be him.

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn wakes up in a rotten mood.

The bed is empty. Again. But she can hear some sizzling in the kitchen. It’s Saturday which means the penthouse is empty, no staff on the weekends. Normally, Soarynn looks forward to these two sacred days. She gets Coriolanus all to herself since he doesn’t have to go to work. They run errands, go to the zoo, catch a movie, and end it all with dinner.

Not today though.

If he doesn’t see anything wrong with the amount of effort that he’s putting into this, then Soarynn is going to take it as an invitation to give Coriolanus Snow a taste of his own medicine.

At nineteen years of age, Soarynn considers herself to be a very mature young lady. Constantly complimented on how she carries herself, why, anyone on the street who laid eyes upon her would surely say that she’s at least twenty-one.

She knows how Coriolanus sees her. Sweet, adorable, submissive.

Harmless.

He likes her this way, likes carting her around on his arm, dipping into her fountain of youth. Soarynn sits up, pulling the covers up to her bare chest, and frowns, perhaps that’s why he’s kept her around for as long as he has. Perhaps she makes him feel younger, feel like he’s a young man again.

He certainly looks younger than thirty but still, he’s getting up there in age. Soarynn hasn’t even reached twenty and she already feels old, as if she’s outgrown her skin and her body. But Coriolanus might view her as a vice, something to remind him that he still has that famous Snow charm.

She glances over at the doors where she left all her shopping bags from yesterday, too tired to properly unpack them. She could stay for breakfast, let him dictate their day. Or, she could leave, leaving him dumbfounded.

Soarynn goes with the second option, quickly getting out of bed so she can dress herself. She doesn’t plan on coming back here for a long time, not until he comes crawling back that is. Soarynn knows Coriolanus well enough to know that he craves control and if he loses her, then he loses control.

Which is very unfortunate for him.

Pleased with her scheme, Soarynn goes out into the hallway, purse in hand, shoes on feet, and a determined look on her bare face.

“Darling?”

His deep morning voice catches her completely off guard. She freezes in her tracks, slowly turning around to face a shirtless Coriolanus. He looks so good right now, wearing some pajama pants with a plate in his hand. Whatever he made for them smells delicious and he looks delicious.

Maybe she could stay for breakfast.

No! She had to stay strong!

Coriolanus has a certain gravitational pull on people, drawing them in and keeping them right where he wants them to be, including her. It’s going to take a lot of effort to get out of his orbit.

“I…I can’t stay for breakfast,” she says, fidgeting with her purse. Coriolanus purses his lips, looking her up and down, “Why not? I made omelets.”

Coriolanus is an excellent cook even though he hires one, only showing off his skills to Soarynn. On Saturday nights he’ll pour them both a glass of wine and have her sit on the counter while he sautés a delicious meal. She’ll wear one of his button-up shirts, swinging her feet off the edge of the counter while she watches him.

Soft music will play in the background and he’ll have her taste test everything, laughing when he gets some sauce on her chin. Which will give him the perfect excuse to lean down, wiping it off before kissing her.

It’s a perfectly domestic thing to do with someone you don’t even consider courting and Soarynn feels a terrible chill run down her spine.

“I have to go,” she says softly, “there’s um, there’s an emergency.”

She could always tell him the truth, but when has that ever worked?

Besides, the terrible part of her still wants him to want her. So as a precaution, she’ll remain on his good side. A little distance will do them some good, even if he doesn’t know that’s what this is.

He looks concerned, worried for her well-being, and walks towards her, only stopping when he’s inches away from her and she can smell the omelet and the smell of roses.

It’s always been roses with Coriolanus.

“Is everything alright? Do you need me to do anything? Call you a car?”

He’s so sweet and caring even when she lies to him. Maybe she’s the one who doesn’t deserve him instead of it being the other way around.

Soarynn shakes her head, faking a smile, “No, no you don’t have to do anything. I just have to go alright?”

He seems disappointed that they won’t get to spend their morning together but he doesn’t push her. “Alright,” he mumbles, “call me when everything’s sorted then.”

Soarynn hums and presses herself on her toes to kiss him, short and sweet but she savors it all the same.

She doesn’t give him a chance to deepen it, pulling away as fast as she leaned in so she can leave. Soarynn closes the doors to his penthouse behind him, that terrible feeling still very persistent.

She hopes that he’ll pick up the pieces, put them together, and realize that she’s the one for him. Or he won’t and he’ll find some other girl to swoon and lead on.

She might have left the key he gave her in his room, but he still has the key to her heart.

꧁ ꧂

Three weeks pass by without a word from Coriolanus.

Well, he hasn’t come up and spoken to her in person that is. Soarynn has missed phone calls on her answering machine, unopened gifts that sit by her front door, and wilting roses that stand in a vase on her kitchen counter.

She’s been holding out on him, hoping, praying that this distance will remind him that she’s the one for him. He leaves notes with the gifts but they’re not confessions of love, just requests or possibly demands, all telling her to call him or come to his penthouse.

But Soarynn is done being at his beck and call, tired of being dragged around on an invisible leash.

She is Soarynn fucking Nightingale and she’s finally starting to act like it.

The sun is finally setting on the Capitol skyline and she’s forgotten how great of a view she has of it from her apartment. For a while, she was merely a visitor in her own home, coming and going whenever she needed something and then running right back to his place.

Not anymore.

Dressed merely in one of her many silk nightgowns, Soarynn prepares for a night in. She bought some chocolate and strawberries today at the store, planning on making her favorite dessert so she could snack while watching some television before going to bed.

A knock at her door pulls her out of the blissful bubble she’s been in the past few weeks and she walks towards her entryway. She mentally prepares to greet the gentleman who sits at the front desk in the lobby, responsible for delivering packages to the residents of the building. Or in recent weeks, gifts from Coriolanus that are addressed to Soarynn.

She’s sure this man is sick of her and her deliveries. She went from never coming home to the most popular person in the building in a matter of days.

She should really start tipping him.

Soarynn pops a strawberry into her mouth and unlocks the door, pulling it open and the fruit almost falls out of her mouth when she sees him.

Coriolanus Snow.

He looks furious. She’s been dodging his calls and ignoring him so he has every right to be but it’s something to see him standing her at her doorstep.

He’s never been to her apartment before. Never saw the need to.

And now here he is.

Soarynn doesn’t even know what to say, not with a strawberry in her mouth so she turns on her heel and walks back down the hallway, leaving it to him to either follow her or leave.

He follows her. Slamming the door behind him.

“So you’ve gotten my gifts and oh look, your phone looks just fine. I was starting to think that you fled the Capitol until I saw you earlier today on my lunch break, giggling with your friends as my car drove past you.”

Soarynn rolls her eyes, still chewing, men are so dramatic, and Coriolanus, although he won’t ever admit it, is always desperate for validation. Without her, she wonders who’s been stroking that big ego of his.

“Soarynn, look at me.”

She finally swallows down the berry and turns to face her lover, feeling simultaneously caught and commended for the efforts she’s gone through to get her point across.

You can be the most successful man in the world but without a woman by your side, you’re just another man.

"Why have you been ignoring me?" Coriolanus asks, looking confused while dressed in an expensive-looking suit, "You've been dodging my calls and tonight was the company gala, the gala that you promised to attend with me."

Oops. She forgot all about the gala.

"I thought you'd find someone else to take," she squeaks, watching the veins in his throat bulge. "Well I didn't," he hisses, stalking towards her, and for the first time ever, Soarynn realizes how big Coriolanus is, how strong and powerful he is. He could easily snap her neck, throw her against the wall, take her against her will. He won't, but he could.

"I looked like a fool," he continues, only a foot away from her now, "standing there without a date, being showered with pitying looks from everyone else. I had hoped that you'd come to your senses by now but you clearly haven't so tell me Soarynn, why are you so hellbent on ruining my reputation?"

Soarynn's jaw nearly falls open. He's not even here because he cares, he's here because his reputation is at stake. She resists the urge to slap him right across the face, even though he'd be quite deserving of it.

"Why won't you court me?" She finally asks, letting the question she's been thinking for months finally tumble from her lips. For so long she's held off on asking, held off on asking why she's never met his parents, or why he can call her every name in the book during sex but not in public.

Soarynn tries to be a patient person but her heart cannot say the same.

He looks shocked by her question, not expecting her to ask such a thing. A good Capitol girl never asks a man that, she waits by his side, waits for him to be ready to commit.

"I mean, you do everything else," she says exasperatedly, "you buy me things, send me flowers, kiss me, fuck me, and I do everything for you! I wait for you at your apartment, I listen to you talk about your day at work, I spend hours in bed with you. I just don't understand how difficult it is to court me, you're a grown man Coriolanus, you should be married by now, with children but you're not. And if you plan on being single for the rest of your life then that's fine but stop dragging me along with you."

They both stand in silence. Soarynn can't believe that she actually said that but at the same time, she's glad that she did. It's been too heavy of a burden for her to carry around any longer.

Coriolanus presses his lips into a thin line, composing himself after a moment of weakness, "Have you ever thought that maybe I don't see myself courting you? That I haven't taken this as seriously as you've wanted me to take it because I don't ever intend to?"

It's like he just ripped her heart out of her chest and tore it apart in front of her.

Soarynn feels the tears pooling in her eyes, unable to stop them from coming. This isn't how she planned for this to go, she thought he'd beg for her to come back and confess his feelings but instead, he's shot her down.

She sniffles as a tear rolls down her cheek, "Never mind then," she whispers, turning to flee the scene. She hears him calling out to her but Soarynn is already blinded by her tears and her heartbreak. She stumbles into her bedroom and runs past her bed into the bathroom where she can have a proper breakdown in peace.

She's been taking a lot of baths lately, reminiscing about the times when she'd take them with Coriolanus. Not anymore, she'll never think about him again after this. All those kisses, those smiles, those words. All fake.

How could she be so stupid?

She gave him everything. Her trust, her love, her virginity.

The gravity of what she's done hits her all at once and she sinks into the tub, curling up into a ball while she sobs. He's probably left already, perplexed by her strange behavior and tears. Soarynn has always remained cool, calm, and collected around Coriolanus, never whining or complaining. Not anymore.

She's so busy feeling sorry for herself that she doesn't even hear the tall, broad man pad into the bathroom, not until she feels his cold hand on her shoulder. Soarynn cracks her eyes open, gazing up at Coriolanus, somewhat surprised that he actually came after her.

"I didn't mean to make you cry," he tells her gently, crouching down by the tub, "you know that I care about you darling, but it's all...it's all so complicated. You wouldn't understand."

Those three words are enough to give Soarynn a second wind. She pushes herself to sit up and glares at the older man, wondering where he finds the audacity to say these things to her.

"Then explain it to me," she snaps, "because I'm not an idiot, I'm smart, I'm important, I am of value. I've given you everything Coriolanus, my trust, my love, my, my virginity," her voice breaks on the last word. She's ashamed all over again, she's been so foolish with him, so blindly trusting.

His brows crease and his hand remains on her shoulder, she hopes he doesn't remove it.

"Soarynn, you're so young, so beautiful and kind, it wouldn't be fair to chain you to me. I'm not always as kind as I am when I'm with you, not always as understanding. That side of me is reserved only for you but I can't guarantee that version of myself to my future wife, she'll have to deal with all sides of me, the good, the bad, and the ugly."

She sniffles, wiping away her tears in an attempt to look more presentable, "I don't mind," she mumbles and he sighs, "truly, I don't. I can handle it, I can be your wife Coriolanus, I can be Mrs. Snow. I won't let you down or embarrass you, I'll be so good, so devoted to you."

They both fall silent again but this time, she dares to reach out to him, cupping his face with her hand and he leans into her touch, "Who else decodes you like me?" She whispers, "You don't let anyone else see you like this but me, think about it, you've already got one foot in the door. Think about how easy it would be to just get married."

She can see him contemplating her argument, a desperate one but she's also desperate. Soarynn thought some time apart would remind him of what he took for granted but it also reminded her about how much she missed him. She's missed his smile, his laugh, the way he smells after they have sex.

Although he tries to remain cold and closed off, she can see right through his facade, she knows him too well to his chagrin and when he finally looks into her teary eyes, she knows that he's decided on an answer.

꧁ ꧂

꧁ Five Months Later ꧂

Soarynn sits in the finest nail salon in the Capitol, known for its impeccable service and treatment towards its clients.

With a fresh manicure and pedicure, she feels on top of the world, like a new woman. "What color did you get for your nails again?" Livia asks from the chair next to her. Soarynn lifts her left hand in the air for her friend to see her freshly painted nails, a light pink color, it's practically her signature. She admires her nails and more importantly, the way the sunlight causes her new engagement ring to shine and sparkle.

Soarynn would never consider herself spoiled, but she's used to getting what she wants.

Including a husband.

It didn't take much to convince Coriolanus that she was the one for him. After breaking down in her bathtub and telling him that she would be the perfect wife for him, she knew he'd make a move. He spent the night at her apartment, claiming that he didn't want to leave her alone in her moment of distress and they ended up without their clothes on, making up for lost time.

The next day they had officially made up and Coriolanus officially asked to court her. He told her that they'd tell everyone that they'd been courting for much longer but in secret. Turns out he was eager to make her his wife now that the idea was planted in his head, more eager than she was. He proposed a mere two weeks ago, getting down on one knee and shocking her with a gorgeous engagement ring.

The diamond is huge, and Soarynn loves looking at it, envisioning their wedding and what's to come shortly after. Children, pets, the whole nine yards. They're already decided on a date, next January since the Snows apparently only marry in the winter. Something about family traditions.

"I still can't believe you're engaged," Livia says with a shake of her head, "I mean, I suspected something between you two but still, it all happened so soon." Soarynn smiles, lots of people were surprised but she wasn't, she's been planning on becoming Mrs. Snow for a long time.

"When you know, you know," she replies.

She just knew from very beginning.

꧁ ꧂

When Soarynn finally gets home from another day of shopping, she finds that her fiance has busied himself in the kitchen rather than his study. An odd change of scenery for Coriolanus who’s always holed up in his study if he’s at home.

He’s chopping away at some vegetables on a cutting board, so focused on the task at hand that he doesn’t even notice she’s back until the timer on the oven beeps, snapping him back into the present.

He looks over at her and grins, “Darling, when did you get back?”

Soarynn remains in the doorway to the large kitchen, content with watching him cook, “Just now,” she answers, leaning on the frame, “is the cook not here?” He shakes his head, scraping the chopped vegetables into a large bowl, “I sent her home early, I sent everyone home early.”

Soarynn frowns, wondering if something happened while she was gone. She’s already moved in with him, selling her apartment but once they’re married, she’ll be in charge of managing the household staff.

Until then, Coriolanus is still in charge.

“Why?” She inquires, stepping into the kitchen and setting her purse down on the counter, “Did something happen?”

His smile only grows bigger as he goes to open the oven, a heavenly aroma quick spreads throughout the room and Soarynn suddenly feels very hungry. “No, nothing happened. I just wanted it to be you and me tonight.”

It’s Thursday which usually means Coriolanus coming home right in time for dinner and wanting to go straight to bed. But he’s already home, and cooking. Something must be going on, he must be cooking up something else besides dinner at the moment. She knows him too well.

“Is there a particular reason for that?” She asks sweetly, appreciating the gesture but questioning the intent behind it. Nothing comes without a price, nothing at all. Soarynn would know that better than anyone.

The ring on her finger is the perfect example. Only given to her once she bared her soul to Coriolanus and somewhat embarrassed herself by crying in front of him.

And he’s far too clever to come home early for no good reason, Coriolanus loves to play games, loves a good riddle, a good challenge.

Soarynn has never been too fond of games.

Coriolanus sets the pan down on the stove to cool off, allowing her to admire how handsome he looks from behind, his white dress shirt still tucked into his pants. She can see that his curls have broken loose from the gel he slicks them back with every morning.

“I have a gift for you.”

Well now her interest is piqued. He turns around and laughs at her expression, eager to see what he got her, “Oh, now you’re excited that I’m home early,” he teases, “well you’ll have to wait until after dinner.”

Soarynn pouts, already knowing that it’s pointless. Coriolanus is a simple man who likes to complete one task at a time. He won’t move to her gift until they’ve eaten dinner and he’s washed all the dishes. Which is very annoying for her and very amusing for him.

Even engaged he still likes to pull her around on a leash.

So she doesn’t fight it. She asks him about his day, lets him feed her pieces of food while he continues cooking until the entire meal comes together. They eat in the dining room, a huge room with an even bigger table for just the two of them. Coriolanus sits at the head of the table, of course, and Soarynn sits to his left.

“I was thinking about the wedding,” she says between bites of chicken, “we should really try to limit the guest list or we’ll be stuck greeting everyone all night at the reception instead of enjoying each other.”

Coriolanus sips his wine which is a shocking choice of beverage for a man who loves whiskey or bourbon. A small smile grows across his lips like he knows something she doesn’t. He probably does considering how much older and wiser he is.

“Darling, the guests will come to us,” he tells her, placing his hand on top of hers, “there will be no running around the greet the guests. We’ll sit down at our table and enjoy our dinner,” he gestures to their current situation to use as an example.

Soarynn feels a little silly now, of course, people will come up to them and not the other way around. But she’s never been to a wedding before, too young and none of her friends have even gotten engaged yet.

She’s the first.

At least she doesn’t have to worry about losing her virginity. They crossed that bridge months ago.

"Oh," is all she says, her cheeks burning with a little bit of embarrassment, "well, I think I found my dress today." Changing the subject is an easy way to avoid any criticism from Coriolanus who often expects her to act twice her age while still remaining the youthful, wide-eyed girl he met forever ago.

His eyebrows shoot up, he knows how stressed she's been about finding the perfect wedding dress. It has to be something distinguished, something elegant and flattering, something the wife of a Snow would wear.

He's got it easy, wearing a black suit like he always does for important events.

"Did you now? What does it look like?"

Soarynn shrugs, a sweet smile on her lips, "What does my gift look like?" Coriolanus laughs at her attempt to even the playing field, she can't help but want to know what he got her today. "Never mind then," he decides, shaking his head, "we can both bathe in the anticipation."

Soarynn groans but he doesn't give in. Every once in a while he does, even a grown man like Coriolanus Snow can't fight off her pouting and innocent gaze. So she shows him her freshly painted nails and asks him about work, it's a domestic night for the both of them.

Once dinner is eaten, she helps him with the dishes, passing them to him so he can rinse them off. Soarynn likes to imagine doing this a few years into the future with little ones sitting in the living room, whispering about how romantic it is that their parents do the dishes together.

Coriolanus has only spoken about children a few times since she met him but she knows that he expects to start a family. He's late to that race compared to his friends his age whereas Soarynn is very early.

"Alright," Coriolanus says, drying off his hands with a dish towel, "let's go get your gift darling."

Soarynn squeals with excitement, she's not always the most patient person in the world which is why Coriolanus loves to make her wait. He made her wait to get engaged but look how that ended for him.

She follows him out of the kitchen and down the hall towards his study. Soarynn has only been in this room a few times since they met, finding it boring since it lacks anything of interest to her.

"Sit down here," he instructs, patting an armchair that sits across from his desk. Soarynn does as she's told, sinking into the chair and crossing her ankles. "Now close your eyes and hold out your hands, no peeking Soarynn," he says sternly. Soarynn gives him the best innocent, angelic look she can manage, "I won't peek," she promises.

He grunts and she closes her eyes, holding out her hands to receive her gift. Soarynn listens to him walk away from her and then hears the sound of a desk drawer being opened. She hasn't the slightest clue as to what he's gotten for her. If it were jewelry or clothes then he'd bring her to the closet.

Soarynn feels him standing in front of her again and then feels the light weight of what must be a card placed in her hands.

"Open your eyes darling."

Sure enough, it's a card. Soarynn gives him a curious look as he leans against his desk, watching her with amusement. "A card? Did you get our wedding invitations back?" They finally decided on their wedding invitations and Soarynn has been waiting for all of them to be delivered so she can mail them out to their guests.

He merely grins at her guess, "Open it and find out."

Soarynn's fingers gently tear open the envelope and she's surprised to find no note or invitation inside. In fact, it doesn't look like there's anything inside. Soarynn purses her lips, turning the envelope upside down and shaking it when a small, pink card falls into her lap. Soarynn picks it up, holding it between her thumb and index finger to inspect it.

It's no bigger than her citizen's license.

"Well? What is it darling?"

Soarynn looks up at her fiance, very confused as to what this is and why he's asking her to tell him. She turns it to the other side and her eyes zero in on the words that have been engraved into the card.

Soarynn Snow - Capitol Banking Card - 05081 082810

A sharp gasp leaves her lips.

"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, is this, is this what I think it is?!"

For the longest time, Soarynn has just been using one of his cards to go shopping and spend his money. Coriolanus trusted her enough to hand over one of his many banking cards without batting an eye, telling her to go shop her little heart out. But that was back when this all first started, since getting engaged, she's still been using his card, mostly because he hasn't asked for it back yet.

His banking card is sleek and black, with his name and his card number engraved into it.

But this is her card, with her name on it.

Coriolanus smiles, nodding his head, "The bank called me this afternoon to tell me that all the paperwork was finally in order. I left work early to pick it up for you."

Soarynn leaps out of her chair, too excited to sit still. She flies into his arms, smiling and shrieking, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Coriolanus wraps his arms around her, holding her tightly against him while Soarynn clutches her card like it's a lifeline.

It's her first step towards becoming his wife.

"You're very welcome darling, I figured it was time for you to have your own card since you seem so keen on using mine to spend my money," he explains, giving her a teasing look. Soarynn giggles, she might have a habit of spending a lot of his money, but he can't have his fiance walking around in last season's shoes!

"Well, I'm going to have so much fun using my own card to spend your money," she tells him, smiling down at her little pink banking card. She can't believe he did this for her!

Although she'd never admit it out loud, there was a short-lived time when Soarynn worried that he only proposed because he felt pressured to, that he was only doing it out of duty and obligation. If that was the case then she was in for a miserable marriage where it would always be known that she trapped him into getting married.

But this card is clear proof that he feels the same way she feels about him.

He hums, rubbing a hand up and down her back, "It's the first official document that has your married name on it, even the banking paperwork has been updated."

She hadn't even given it any thought but he's right. Soarynn's old card still has her maiden name on it. According to the people at the Capitol Bank, she is Soarynn Snow, Mrs. Snow, Coriolanus Snow's wife.

It's the most perfect gift she's ever been given.

"I love it, thank you."

Soarynn kisses him on the cheek, leaning into his touch which becomes more possessive by the second, "There will be limits" he mumbles, turning his head so he can properly kiss her, "just like when you were using my card there will be monthly limits as to what you can spend."

Soarynn gives him a playful whine, tugging on his bottom lip, "It's all a precaution darling, I can't have you running me into the ground with your frivolous spending."

Soarynn gasps, pulling away from their kiss, "Frivolous spending?! My lingerie that you love so much is not frivolous!" She's got him there, Coriolanus loves it when she spends his hard-earned money on lingerie that he can rip off later that same night. And it's not like Soarynn has ever gone and run him dry, she's very frugal with her spending, only buying exactly what she needs.

Which sometimes happens to be twelve pairs of shoes plus a few new dresses.

"I do love your lingerie," he agrees, giving her a squeeze, "but sooner or later it won't just be the two of us on my tab, we'll have little ones and I have an inkling that you're going to be quite the spender when it comes to our children."

Just the thought of having children with Coriolanus excites her. Soarynn has always wanted a family, to be a part of something and she's always dreamt of being a mother. She's spent long enough thinking about the type of mother she's going to be. She'll be a good one, raising her children to be polite and respectful, but also darling and adored by all they meet.

She's meeting his parents this weekend for the first time.

Coriolanus has always kept her far away from his own family, to the point where Soarynn had to question if his parents were even still alive. Hers weren't. But now that they're engaged, his mother is eager to meet her future daughter-in-law.

"She's going to love you," he had told her after bringing it up to her the other day after dinner, "she's always wanted a daughter and I already showed her a photograph of you, she thinks you're adorable."

Soarynn didn't quite know if adorable was what she was going for but it was better than some trampy young girl running after a man ten years older than her.

Coriolanus hasn't mentioned a thing about what his father will think of her.

She hasn't brought it up either.

But she knows that his parents will expect grandchildren and she'll be happy to deliver on that expectation.

Soarynn sighs into the kiss, "You always think ahead don't you?"

From the moment she met Coriolanus, she knew he was one of the smartest people in the world, always so sharp and bright, anticipating everyone's next move before they could even think of it themselves, including hers.

"Of course darling," he mumbles, sliding his hand down to her left hand, rubbing her engagement ring, "Snow always has to land on top."

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @kickmybark @evilmenarehot @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @melodyoflovee @erensrealgf |

[slaymitchabernathy]

The Legacy

“Daddy! Daddy look what Mommy did to my hair!”

Coriolanus looks down at his daughter, his heart and soul. His Ceraphina.

Born four years ago on a stormy night, Ceraphina stole his heart and never gave it back. She’s been an absolute light in their lives, always making them laugh and smile.

She looks nearly identical to Soarynn which only furthers his need to protect her, to always keep her safe from any harm that might come her way. It often leads him to wonder what their other children might look like should they have more. Soarynn has spoken about it many times, expanding their family and giving Ceraphina a sibling but only time will tell.

He smiles down at his daughter who proudly shows him the bow that Soarynn has fastened in her wavy blonde hair. Many things can be said for the Snow family and what they’re known for.

Some view him as a dictator rather than a President although most people who think that live in the Districts. They have no love for him or his family. Others see him as a wonderful President who only has the best intentions for his beloved country. Those are the people who he’s gladly welcoming into his home tonight for the Presidential Gala.

He’s just about finished with getting ready but he’ll always have a moment to spare for his darling daughter who gazes up at him with eyes identical to her mother’s. “Well, don’t you look fabulous darling? And this bow? Some of the best work I’ve ever seen. You’re sure to be the center of attention tonight.”

Ceraphina’s eyes dazzle at his words of praise and she smiles, “Thank you, Daddy! I can’t wait to go to the chocolate fountain.” Coriolanus grins because he knows that Ceraphina would spend the rest of her life next to the chocolate fountain if she could. It’s also Soarynn’s favorite part of the dessert table which further proves that Ceraphina is her twin.

“Yes, after you eat all your dinner hmm?” He asks while fixing his tie. He can't afford to look bad tonight, not with the amount of cameras that will be snapping pictures of them. Ceraphina’s small hands grip the marble countertop as she tries to peer at her reflection but she’s still too little to see.

Coriolanus scoops her up and places her on the counter, basking in her giggles when he tickles her. “Tickle monster!” She cries, shrieking with laughter. When Ceraphina was younger, she was terrified of sleeping alone in her bedroom due to her fear of the closet and what lay inside of it when the lights were out.

It got to the point where she’d bawl her eyes out when Soarynn or Coriolanus tried to put her to sleep. It didn’t matter how many books they read or how many songs Soarynn sang, she refused to be left alone. Coriolanus could easily see where the problem was going and how it would lead to Ceraphina sleeping in their bed and he just couldn’t have that.

So, the tickle monster was born.

He told Ceraphina that there was a monster in the closet and that he was very good friends with the monster and sometimes the monster took over and tortured her with tickles. It solved the problem rather quickly which he was glad for, even though Soarynn hated how he got her riled up right before bedtime.

“He’s returned,” Coriolanus agrees, sneaking in a few more tickles before ceasing his attack. Ceraphina giggles and turns to look at their reflections, her blue-gray eyes going wide when she sees herself. “Daddy?”

“Yes, my darling?”

“Do I look pretty like Mommy?”

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows at the question and he doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Of course you do darling. Your Mommy is the most beautiful woman in all of Panem and you are the most beautiful girl in all of Panem. No one could ever compare to the two of you.”

Ceraphina smiles and nods at her reflection as if all is right in the world after receiving that answer, “Do I look like Mommy?”

Coriolanus hums and grabs his favorite cologne before liberally applying it to his neck, he can’t afford to smell bad either. “Yes darling, you and Mommy are practically twins. You’re a spitting image of her.” She truly is, with her wavy hair and her startling eyes. Coriolanus is glad that Ceraphina has taken after Soarynn when it comes to looks.

Soarynn who has been so openly praised for her youthful beauty and charming personality, her kind demeanor, and her graceful femininity. Soarynn is perfect which automatically makes Ceraphina perfect since she spends nearly every waking moment with her.

With an entire country to run, Coriolanus doesn’t get to see Ceraphina a lot during the week. Soarynn however, has dedicated her every waking moment to taking care of their daughter and Coriolanus couldn’t be more pleased with her devotion as a mother.

It’s as if her ears are burning because a moment later, Soarynn walks into the bathroom looking gorgeous as always. She’s dressed in a floor-length gown, black to match his own attire it seems. The dress is strapless and clings to her figure in a most flattering way and it has a slit going up her right leg. Her hair is cascading down her back, flawless as always, and her face, her beautiful face.

Coriolanus nearly gets lost looking at it until Ceraphina voices his feelings for him.

“Mommy you look so pretty!”

Soarynn smiles at their daughter who thinks of her mother as the moon and stars and places a loving hand on her cheek, “Thank you my sweet darling. And don’t you look so beautiful in your pink dress? Did you show your father your bow?”

Ceraphina nods proudly, eyeing Coriolanus to confirm that she did in fact show off her hair bow. He chuckles and places a hand on Soarynn’s waist, admiring the stunning creature that is his wife, “She did, in fact, we were just talking about how you two look alike.”

Soarynn’s smile widens as she runs a loving hand through Ceraphina’s hair, “Well if I’m half as kind as you are darling then that’s more than enough for me. Now why don’t you go find nanny so she can help you with your shoes?”

Ceraphina pouts but one stern look from Coriolanus quickly resolves any tantrums and Soarynn carefully helps her down from the counter before she runs off to find her nanny.

Rarely do they ever enlist the help of others, of outsiders, but on nights like this where the drinks are flowing and their attention is pulled every which way, a nanny is more than necessary.

Coriolanus pulls Soarynn against him and she giggles, allowing him to press kisses up and down her neck, “You’re terribly possessive darling,” she purrs, her nails gently scratching up and down the back of his neck, his favorite spot.

Coriolanus places one last kiss before pulling away and staring her in the eyes, nearly losing his breath in the process, “Only with you my love,” he assures her, “only with you.”

Soarynn sighs and rests her head on his shoulder, seemingly content for them to just stay here instead of going downstairs to the Gala that awaits them. “Remind me of anyone important tonight,” she murmurs, her hand instantly finding his.

Coriolanus places a kiss on her temple before answering, “Quintus Heavensbee for starters, also the new Head Game Maker, Arthus Crane, and his wife will be attending.” Soarynn hums and her hand comes to rest on the necklace she almost always wears, a locket with photos of Coriolanus, Ceraphina, and Petunia.

Speaking of Petunia…where is she?

Coriolanus doesn’t mind his wife’s cat for the most part but he does always make sure to keep her tucked away when they have guests over like this.

"Well I'm sure tonight will be wonderful," Soarynn says with a sigh, "I just hope that Ceraphina will go down without a fuss." Ceraphina is a sweet angelic child, however, she often refuses to go to bed during things like this where she feels like she's leaving the party. She eventually gives in but it can be rather tiresome when Soarynn and Coriolanus have guests to entertain.

He gives her an encouraging squeeze, "It'll be perfect darling. I promise."

꧁ ꧂

"Oh, she's just precious."

Coriolanus basks in the compliments that Ceraphina receives while she plays on the grass with her teddy bear. It's normally frowned upon for children to be playing on the dirty ground during a party but Ceraphina, it seems, is the only exception. And besides, the Mansion's grounds are so well kept, not a blade of grass is out of place.

"You'd do well to give her a sibling to play with," Festus Creed says to him, nudging Coriolanus with his elbow. Coriolanus looks over at Soarynn who's standing amongst her own friends, laughing whilst sipping their champagne.

He'd love another child, she'd love another child. Perhaps they should really start trying again. Soarynn never got her implant put back in after giving birth to Ceraphina, but they haven't been keeping track of her cycle to know exactly when to really try.

Perhaps it's time to start back up again.

"I'll work on that," he says teasingly, taking a drink of his whiskey. The Gala is going extremely well, photos have been taken, compliments given and drinks have been flowing.

"Ceraphina darling, it's time for bed," Soarynn calls, approaching their pouting daughter. All the women fawn over how adorable she is when interacting with Soarynn who easily calms their daughters pouting with the promise of Petunia sleeping in her room.

Ceraphina loves Petunia, she’s always chasing her around the house and forcing her to partake in her tea parties. To have Petunia spend the night in her room is a treat as special as any. And that’s seems to do the trick because moments later she’s running over to bid Coriolanus a goodnight.

“Goodnight Daddy! I’ll see you in the morning!”

Despite being the President of Panem, feared by so many and respected by few, Coriolanus doesn’t hesitate to get down on one knee to press a kiss to her cheek, “Goodnight my darling. Have the sweetest dreams.”

Ceraphina nods and runs back over to Soarynn who takes her hand and begins to lead them up the many, many stairs that lead back up to the terrace. Coriolanus watches them once they reach the top where Ceraphina’s nanny is waiting for them.

Soarynn bends down to give Ceraphina a hug and kiss goodnight before she’s entrusted with the nanny for the rest of the night.

“Persephone won’t stop complaining about how much is left to do with the nursery,” Festus groans which pulls Coriolanus back into the conversation, “she’s acting like it’ll be the end of the world if we don’t have the perfect curtains or photographs.”

Coriolanus chuckles, remembering how adamant Soarynn had been on perfecting Ceraphina’s nursery while she was pregnant with her. “Women tend to fuss over these things my friend,” Coriolanus tells him solemnly, “all we can do is foot the bill and let them do whatever they want.”

Soarynn had been an angel all things considered during her pregnancy. Despite some morning nausea and the occasional snippy attitude when she was nearing the end of the grueling nine months, Coriolanus had nothing to complain about.

In the end, she gave him something he could never replace.

His legacy.

꧁ ꧂

There comes a point at every party when the drinks have taken their toll on the guests, including Coriolanus.

His head is slightly buzzing with the amount of alcohol he’s consumed but some of the other guests are much worse than he is. At least he can stand.

“I’ve heard rumors of an uprising in One,” Livia Cardew murmurs to his right which causes his head to snap in her direction. She’s talking to Soarynn, it’s a private conversation but he has no issue butting in where he sees fit. “We have absolutely nothing to worry about in One,” he tells Livia who rolls her eyes in return.

“Why not? Because you said so? We both know how much those people hate us Coriolanus. They’d do anything to get under our skin,” Livia says, looking at Soarynn who simply purses her lips.

Before Coriolanus can say anything, he sees a white blur run across the ballroom floor. He must be drunk because for a moment, he thought he saw Petunia. Which is impossible because Petunia is upstairs, in Ceraphina’s room asleep. They never let her roam around during things like this.

After taking a look at Soarynn’s face however, he begins to wonder if he really did imagine it.

Soarynn breaks away from the conversation without so much as a polite excuse as she walks towards the other end of the ballroom, her husband and good friend long forgotten.

“Where’s she going?” Livia asks and Coriolanus can only shake his head, “I think we both saw something. I’m not quite sure though. Would you excuse me for a moment?”

Coriolanus doesn’t wait for a reply, he just makes his way over to the doors that lead into the dining room where they always eat when they have large gatherings such as this one. Two Peacekeepers are stationed by the doors and both nod at him once they notice his approach, “Have you seen my wife?” He asks, wondering where Soarynn could have gone.

If Petunia was down here then they definitely would have heard about it. All of Soarynn’s friends adore Petunia and always fuss over her to his dismay.

“Yes sir. She just went upstairs a minute ago. She was carrying the cat.”

Petunia was down here.

Why was Petunia down here?

How would Petunia be able to get all the way downstairs if she was in Ceraphina’s room?

Coriolanus frowns while he tries to come up with a reasonable answer as to why Petunia was downstairs when he hears a scream.

Soarynn’s scream.

And he’s running. Running down the great hall. Running up the stairs. Running towards Ceraphina’s room where he finds the doors wide open, Petunia darting out and down the hall.

What he finds inside the room is blood curdling.

Soarynn on her knees, stifling her sobs while staring at Ceraphina’s nanny, dead on the ground.

His eyes dart to the pink canopy bed where Ceraphina sleeps and he finds it empty.

Empty.

Someone took her.

Someone took his daughter. His baby girl.

“Ceraphina?” He calls, looking around to see if maybe she’s hiding somewhere. She loves to hide, to play games like hide-and-seek but this isn’t a game, it’s not funny. “Ceraphina Snow come out here this instant,” he says, his voice wavering despite wanting to sound authoritative.

Soarynn gasps for air and he turns his attention to her, to his beautiful wife sobbing in the floor, “Soarynn? Soarynn darling what happened? Who did this? Are you hurt?”

Soarynn shakes her head, going to wipe her tears but deciding against it at the last moment. She has nothing to hide here. “They took her Coriolanus,” she whispers, “I don’t know who but they took her and killed the nanny.”

The Peacekeepers finally made their way up and there all wide eyed when they take in the sight of Ceraphina’s room in disarray. The bedsheets thrown off the bed, toys scattered, the nanny dead.

“Search the house,” Coriolanus tells them, “search every room, every corner, every hallway. Find my daughter.”

They immediately take off to search the rest of the house and most likely question the guests. Everyone is a suspect now.

Coriolanus crouches down and carefully wraps his arms around Soarynn’s trembling frame, “We'll find her darling, we’ll find her. She’s probably somewhere in the house.”

Soarynn lets out a whimper and his heart breaks even more, he's never seen his wife like this, unable to speak, to cope. A million thoughts race through his mind while he holds Soarynn.

Who did this? How did people get into the Mansion? Was this an inside job?

It's no secret that many people hate Coriolanus Snow and would do anything to hurt him, but taking his child is on another level. There will be hell to pay.

He can hear shouting, the guests are being questioned no doubt. This had to be done by someone they knew, someone they trusted inside of their home.

But who?

Soarynn is in no condition to get off the floor but Coriolanus can't just sit here restless while his daughter is out there somewhere, probably terrified out of her mind. "I'll be back," he says to Soarynn whose eyes have gone vacant, "I'll go find her I promise." He presses a gentle kiss to the side of her head before standing up and leaving the room.

He finds the ballroom in disarray, everyone is shouting while Peacekeepers yell even louder. Festus finds him in the crowd and grabs his arm, "Coriolanus what the hell is going on?" He shouts over the noise. His wife Persephone is right behind him and she looks flushed. The Capitolites aren't used to being pushed around it seems.

"Someone took Ceraphina," Coriolanus says, his voice hollow. Saying it out loud makes it feel so much more real. Like it's the truth. Both Festus and Persephone gasp and Persephone places her hand on her chest, "Oh my...oh my goodness. Have you searched the grounds for her? Perhaps she wanted to go play outside."

Coriolanus feels his eyes light up at the suggestion, maybe she's right, maybe Ceraphina slipped out of bed before her nanny was shot. Coriolanus forges forward towards the terrace doors, ignoring the shouts he gets from his guests asking what's warranted this treatment.

"The President's daughter has been taken!" One of the Peacekeepers shouts, causing a hush to fall over the room. "Until she is found, we will be questioning everyone who attended the Gala tonight. Everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise. If you have any information regarding her disappearance, let us know."

Coriolanus pushes the large doors open and he's hit with the evening air. Just a while ago he was out here watching his daughter play and now she's gone. He can hear and see several other Peacekeepers searching for her outside, shouting her name but he has to look for her himself.

"Ceraphina! Ceraphina where are you darling?"

Coriolanus descends the steps leading down to the grounds with haste as his eyes scan the dark landscape. The only source of light is from the greenhouse which they always lock for events like this. But maybe she slipped inside. Coriolanus begins towards the greenhouse when he steps on something.

He looks down and feels as if he might throw up.

It's her bow.

The bow that Soarynn put in her hair. The bow that Ceraphina so proudly showed him before the Gala.

Coriolanus crouches down to pick it up and feels how soft it is. She was out here, they must've taken her through the grounds, whoever they are.

"President Snow, we found something in the greenhouse!"

꧁ ꧂

'You take our children from us every year, now we took yours. Find us where it all began.'

Coriolanus reads those words over and over again.

The Rebels. People from the Districts took her.

Coriolanus crumples up the note the Peacekeepers found in the greenhouse and lets out a frustrated groan. She's truly in danger now, who knows what those District scum will do to her.

They had broken some of the glass panes of the greenhouse, slipped in, and left the note by the fountain for him to find. How long have they been planning this?

"Put the entire Capitol on lockdown," he says, his voice cold and bitter, "no one in, no one out. Stop all the trains, question anyone working at the border. Search the city street by street."

He doesn't look up from the ground but he hears feet shuffling over broken glass and he hears a few Peacekeepers mumbling, "Madam Snow."

He looks over his shoulder to see Soarynn standing in the doorway. Her eyes are bloodshot, and her hands are still shaking as she takes a slow step into the greenhouse. "Where...where is she?" Soarynn asks him. If only he could tell her.

Coriolanus pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head, "I don't know," he admits, "it was the Rebels. They left a note, and...and I found this," he pulls out the bow from his pocket and holds it out to her.

Soarynn gasps at the sight and her lip trembles, "Is she going to die Coriolanus? Are they going to kill our baby girl?"

Coriolanus sets his jaw and his fingers wrap around the bow, nearly crushing it, "No. Not if I have anything to do with it. The city is on lockdown, and there's no way they already made it out. She's here somewhere we just have to know where to look."

Soarynn wipes away a tear and takes in a shaky breath, "What...what did the note say?"

Coriolanus looks back down at the crumpled piece of paper and he's already imagining killing whoever wrote that cryptic piece of shit. "They said to find them where it all began, and that they took her because we take their children."

The Hunger Games are brutal by design, a way to remind the Districts of their failure and to punish those who are seemingly "innocent."

A wave of recognition flashes over Soarynn's face and she steps towards him, "The arena," she whispers, her blue-gray eyes wide with realization, "where it all began. They took her to the old arena where we used to hold the Games, oh Coriolanus she's right under our noses."

It all clicks in his mind a moment later. She's right. They took her to the old arena where the Games were first held. An old arena that's no longer used, filled with corpses and bones no doubt.

Coriolanus gently takes her hand in his, giving it a squeeze, "I'll have every man we can spare surround the arena. I'll go find her Soarynn, I promise. I'll bring her back."

New tears form in Soarynn's eyes and she's swift to blink them away, "So you won't let me go with you?"

He nearly laughs at her question. He'd be a fool to bring his other prized possession with him to the fight. Only a fool would bring his wife to a possible ambush like this one. No, she needs to stay here where she's safe.

If their home is even safe anymore.

"No. I can't lose you too Soarynn. I need you to stay here, stay with the Heavensbees. I'll have my most trusted men watch over you while the rest of the staff is questioned, I'm sure some of them were in on this." It's no secret that the Snows have a wide variety of staff, some originating from the Capitol and a few from the Districts.

Those who are from the Districts are Avoxes but you don't need a tongue to betray your employer. Many will die tonight.

Soarynn nods, staring down at the bow still in his other hand, "Bring her home."

꧁ ꧂

"It's a small group of men. Seven. And she's with them. Unharmed from what I could see. They asked for you specifically, won't say anything to us."

Coriolanus is briefed on the current situation conspiring inside the old arena and he feels himself growing more and more angry as the seconds pass. The old arena's gates have been chained shut for years now but they've been blown wide open by the Peacekeepers who are all positioned outside with trucks and lots and lots of guns.

Anyone who leaves the arena will be shot on sight.

"I'm going inside," Coriolanus tells the Commander who gives him a worried look, "I have to get her back, and I also have to pretend to consider their terms. This isn't just a hostage situation, its a negotiation."

Coriolanus isn't really asking, he's just letting the man know and he seems to recognize that. "Let me get you a vest then, can't have you getting shot." That would not be good.

Coriolanus is prepped with a bulletproof vest, a concealed gun, and a flash-bang grenade. He's dressed like he's going to war, which he would happily do for his daughter.

He watches two medic trucks pull up to the side of the arena, he hopes those won't be needed.

"We'll surround them from above, just keep them talking and once we have a clear shot, we'll take them all down," the Commander assures him as they approach the front entrance of the arena.

When Coriolanus was a little boy, he came to this arena to watch the circus. He always took a different entrance, the entrance for the wealthy. It's fitting that these Rebels took the front entrance meant for poor people.

It's dark in the tunnel but Coriolanus can see a source of light coming from inside the arena. He pushes through the turnstiles and cringes at the loud automated voice.

"Enjoy the show!"

Coriolanus looks back at the army of Peacekeepers watching him guns ready. At least if he's chased, they'll shoot anything that pursues him but that does very little to soothe his nerves.

Coriolanus sucks in a sharp breath as he finally comes into the arena and comes face to face with a group of men and his daughter.

Ceraphina is dressed in her pajamas and is holding one of the men's hands. She seems fine, unharmed like the Commander said. Her eyes light up when she sees him, "Daddy! Daddy, you found me!"

Coriolanus pays the Rebels no mind as he smiles at his daughter who's seemingly unaware of the current situation, and he’d like to keep it that way, "I did sweetheart. I found you."

He’s still walking but one of the Rebels holds up a large gun, pointed right at him, "That's far enough." His District accent clashes with the ones from the Capitol and Coriolanus feels hatred coursing through his veins. "I've come to negotiate," he says calmly.

The men sneer and give each other looks, "We've been trying to negotiate for years, looks like you only care when we have something that belongs to you."

Coriolanus opens his mouth to respond but Ceraphina seems to have an agenda of her own, "Daddy I want Mommy!" Oh, Soarynn. Coriolanus hopes she's alright at home.

The man holding Ceraphina's hand looks down at her and nods, "You'll see your Mommy real soon, as long as your Daddy does what we tell him to do." Ceraphina doesn't seem scared of this man, or any of them for that matter, she simply nods and bounces on her toes, "Okay!"

Coriolanus turns his focus back onto his daughter's kidnappers, "Just name your terms." The ringleader it seems, steps forward with a cocky look on his face, "You're gonna stop the Hunger Games and stop taking our children. In return, we'll let her go and we won't keep showing up in your house. She's not the only one who matters to you is she?"

Now they've brought Soarynn into this, and for that, they'll have to die.

Coriolanus clenches his jaw at the threat so casually thrown at his wife, his darling girl who's worried sick about him and their daughter. "Fine, I’ll agree to your terms, but I want my daughter back first. She has nothing to do with this."

The men break into a fit of laughter as if he just told the funniest joke in the world. "She has everything to do with this! Bet you thought you'd be safe in that Mansion of yours but you aren't. The innocent must be punished."

Coriolanus spots the smallest bit of movement from the stands above them and adrenaline is coursing through his veins. He needs Cerpahina to move away from these men. He can't have her see this, not if he can help it.

“Are we done playing the game now?” Ceraphina asks with a whine, now rocking back and forth on her heels. She’s barefoot which infuriates him even further. They fucking kidnapped his daughter but couldn’t bother to get her some shoes to wear.

She’s given several nasty looks from her captors who clearly hadn’t anticipated her being so fussy but it’s past her bedtime and they’ve dragged her to the most undesirable place in the Capitol. They only have themselves to blame.

“Looks like your Daddy agreed to our terms,” the ringleader says slowly, tilting his head at Coriolanus as if taunting him, “so I guess the game is over.”

The game?

Coriolanus can only imagine what they’re talking about.

Once given a nod, the man holding onto Ceraphina’s hand lets go and she smiles up at him, “Goodbye!” Coriolanus waits with a bated breath as she slowly walks towards him, he knows she doesn’t understand but he wishes she’d walk faster. The sooner he has her in his arms, the better.

The moment Ceraphina is within reach, Coriolanus grabs her off the ground and wraps both arms around her small body, “Oh sweetheart, we were so worried about you.”

He spots more movement from above. It’s time.

Ceraphina returns his embrace and giggles, “Why were you worried Daddy? They said we were playing hide and seek, and you always find me.”

Coriolanus wishes she could always remain this innocent and naive but with attacks like this happening, he fears it may be impossible.

Coriolanus gives her a tight-lipped smile, “Yes, Daddy always finds you my darling. Now cover your ears and close your eyes very tight for me.” Ceraphina furrows her eyebrows and frowns, "Why? Why can't we play some more?"

Coriolanus can feel his patience thinning as the seconds pass but he can't snap at his darling daughter, not when she's the victim in all of this. "We can play when we get home and see Mommy. Now close your eyes and cover your ears for me sweetheart."

That seems to be enough to convince Ceraphina who squeezes her eyes shut as tightly as she can and places her hands over her ears. Coriolanus turns on his heel and he revels in the sound of guns firing and Rebels crying out as the bullets pierce their skin. Coriolanus rubs Ceraphina's back as he walks back through the tunnel, whispering soothing words even though she can't hear them.

The bullets cease and it's so quiet in the arena. It's wonderful.

And once again, Snow lands on top.

꧁ ꧂

The Mansion is empty when they return.

Guests are gone, music has ceased, the party is over.

Coriolanus quietly pads down the great hall towards one of the many sitting rooms they have, Ceraphina fast asleep in his arms.

He spots Quintus Heavensbee, his most trusted advisor standing in the hall, perking up when he spots the father-daughter duo. "Thank goodness," he whispers, clapping Coriolanius on the shoulder once they reach him, "we were so worried that neither of you would return."

Coriolanus lets out a tired sigh and places a loving hand on the back of Ceraphina's head, cradling her, "We took down the Rebel group, although now I wish we had questioned them first. Who knows how many more were aware of the plan."

Quintus shakes his head fervently, "No need to worry about that my friend. We captured four other Rebels who were in on it working in the Mansion." Coriolanus feels a newfound source of anger bubbling inside of him.

Rebels in the President's Mansion. What a fucking joke.

Quintus takes notice of his concealed anger and pats his shoulder lightly, "Let's talk about this tomorrow morning. Right now your wife and daughter need you more than ever." Ceraphina wakes at the mention of her mother and yawns, rubbing her eyes, "I want Mommy."

Both men smile at her sweet request and Quintus nods towards the doors that lead to the sitting room, "She's in there with my wife and Ms. Trinket." Coriolanus can't help but feel relieved to hear that Eudora Trinket, the woman who plans every second of his life, wasn't in on the Rebel scheme.

She’d been there for all the appointments concerning Soarynn’s pregnancy and she’d held Soarynn’s other hand when she gave birth. To lose Eudora to the Rebels would hit their family hard.

Coriolanus doesn’t waste another moment to push open the large doors revealing his wife sitting on the edge of a sofa, her knee bouncing up and down while she nervously awaits more news about the kidnapping of her daughter.

She looks up at them and gasps, her eyes focusing on Ceraphina as she stands up and crosses the room within seconds. She’s grabbing Ceraphina from his arms, cradling her, kissing her face, assessing her for damage all while trying not to cry.

“Oh my sweet darling,” Soarynn whispers, pressing a kiss to her head, “I was so worried about you. Thank goodness you’re safe.” Coriolanus wraps an arm around Soarynn’s trembling frame and rubs soothing circles on her back, “She’s alright darling, she’s safe now.”

Ceraphina simply basks in the attention she’s given from both her parents and rests a small hand on Soarynn’s cheek, “Mommy my pajamas got dirty.” Soarynn presses a small kiss to her hand and hums, “Mommy will give you a nice bath sweetheart, and then you can sleep in Mommy and Daddy’s room tonight.”

Coriolanus already knows how this will go, the never dissipating fear that will forever live in Soarynn now that she knows what it’s like to have her daughter taken from her. She’ll want Ceraphina with her all day every day.

Ceraphina’s eyes widen at the opportunity to sleep in her parent’s bedroom, something she’s never done before, “Really? Can I bring my bear?” Out of the all the stuffed animals she’s been gifted over the years, her stuffed teddy bear is by far her favorite.

Soarynn nods and runs her fingers through Ceraphina’s hair, “Yes darling, you can bring your bear.” That seems to be more than enough for Ceraphina who buries her face in Soarynn’s neck, seemingly exhausted from tonight’s events.

Soarynn lets out a shaky breath and leans into Coriolanus and his hold, “Thank you,” she whispers, her blue-gray eyes meeting his piercing blue ones, “thank you for finding her and bringing her back to me.”

Coriolanus feels himself getting choked up, their sweet baby girl could’ve died tonight and he refuses to imagine the shell of a person Soarynn would become if that happened.

So he simply holds her a little tighter and kisses her temple, “I’ll always fight to keep you two together my darling, always.”

꧁ ꧂

“Daddy look! Bubbles!”

Ceraphina’s voice is the first thing to greet Coriolanus when he walks into his bathroom. He smiles down at Ceraphina who’s sitting in the tub surrounded by bubbles and floating toys. She’s completely oblivious to what went down tonight and he can’t decide if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

He watches Ceraphina play for a moment before watching his wife who’s sitting on her knees right next to the tub, watching Ceraphina as if she might disappear and never come back.

She almost did, he reminds himself.

He’s worried for Soarynn. Worried about how this might have affected her.

Despite Quintus and his protests, Coriolanus went over the events that conspired tonight and was able to see the other Rebels who were in on the plan. They had of course been detained but one was a Peacekeeper, two were maids and one was a gardener. He’d have them all executed before the week was over. And to ensure that they hadn’t planted any seeds of a revolution in the rest of his household staff, he’d execute them too.

Better safe than sorry.

He’d tasked a few of the remaining maids to clean up Ceraphina’s bedroom, wipe the blood off the floor. He wondered if her nanny had been in on it. Would Soarynn ever trust anyone else with the care of their daughter?

Probably not.

“Let’s get you dried off darling,” Soarynn says and Coriolanus snaps back into the present and makes his way into the closet to change out of his clothes. Hours ago he was getting dressed for the Gala so unaware of what would happen.

He dresses himself in some pajama pants before he comes back into the bathroom to wash his face and comb through his curls. He hears a meow and looks down to find Petunia watching him, her tail swishing back and forth in the air.

“Thank you,” he quietly says to the cat, “we would’ve never known if you hadn’t come downstairs to warn us.”

Petunia only blinks but it says enough to him.

He can hear Ceraphina giggling from the bedroom, not at all tired now that she’s allowed to sleep in her parent’s room. A moment later he hears her little footsteps approaching him, “Daddy! Daddy can you read me a bedtime story?”

Coriolanus grabs a towel and dries off his face, “Of course I can darling. Why don’t you get into bed and I’ll meet you there in a minute?”

An excited gasp is all he hears before she’s running back into the bedroom and Coriolanus takes a long good look in the mirror.

Will people always try to hurt his family? Will they always target the two good things in his life? Those men mentioned Soarynn, mentioned hurting her to him. Should he send the girls away? Hide them somewhere that no one knows about?

It would break Soarynn’s heart but it’s better than finding her with a bullet in her head.

He’ll talk to her more about his ideas tomorrow. They’re all exhausted from today.

When Coriolanus comes into the bedroom, Soarynn and Ceraphina are already in bed. Soarynn hasn’t changed out of her clothes from tonight but she probably doesn’t want to leave Ceraphina, even for a quick shower. She gives him a tired smile when she notices him, “She’s very excited for your bedtime story.”

Coriolanus grins and carefully slips into bed, his hand smoothing down Ceraphina’s hair that Soarynn braided down her back. She’s squished between her two parents and looks happier than ever.

“What game did you play tonight darling?” He asks her, his curiosity getting the best of him. Soarynn gives him a curious look but she wasn’t there in that arena with those men.

Ceraphina yawns, “We played hide-and-seek and they said we had to wait for you to come and find me.” Soarynn seems to have put the pieces together and she absentmindedly rubs her hand up and down Ceraphina’s back, “Were they nice to you? Did they yell or say mean things to you?”

Did they touch you?

That’s what Soarynn really wants to ask but Coriolanus can already see her holding back tears.

Ceraphina shakes her head and plays with the silk pillow case, “No. No, they didn’t yell Mommy. They said we were playing a game. Then I got scared so one of them let me hold his hand. Can I hear the story now Daddy?”

Coriolanus nods, his mind a thousand miles away from telling a bedtime story but he has to get through this first. “Of course sweetheart. Once upon a time…”

꧁ ꧂

Neither Coriolanus nor Soarynn can take their eyes off of their sleeping daughter. She’s been asleep for over an hour and yet they’re just…watching her.

“I remember when she was so little,” Soarynn whispers, her fingertips ghosting Ceraphina’s cheek, “when she was just a baby I would watch her sleep for hours. I was so terrified she’d stop breathing in her sleep. This was when you were coming home at all hours of the night, so it was really just me and her.”

Soarynn swallows down a sob, “And I would just watch her sleep. And think and pray to whoever was listening, ‘Please don’t take her. Please don’t take my daughter away from me.’ Then tonight I felt like it was some sick joke, like whoever was listening hated me and hated my daughter.”

Tears fall down Soarynn’s cheeks and Coriolanus reaches out for her, careful not to crush their sleeping daughter. “Shhh, shhh it’s alright Soarynn. She’s safe, she’s safe and no one will ever touch her again. Anyone who wanted to hurt her is dead now and they wanted to hurt her because they hated me. No one could ever hate you sweet girl.”

Soarynn shakes her head and wipes her tears, staring up at the ceiling for a moment, “They could’ve killed her Coriolanus. Or touched her or made her take something. I…I kept hoping that instead of hurting our little girl and torturing her, they’d just kill her instead. At least then she wouldn’t have to suffer.”

This attack has shaken the Snows.

They’ll be expected to give a statement to give a warning to those who try and hurt them.

Coriolanus quietly slips out of bed and rounds the other side so that he can properly hold his wife, “She’s alive Soarynn. She’s alive and she’s asleep in our bed. It’s been such a long night darling and we need to get you dressed in something else. Why don’t we go find you something else to wear?”

Soarynn shakes her head, pulling back when he tried to scoop her into his arms, “I won’t leave her Coriolanus. I’m never leaving her again.”

He sighs. His girl has always been stubborn but now she’s cemented in her mind. Surrounded by fear. “Okay,” he whispers, placing a gentle hand on her cheek, “okay then why don’t I go find you something to wear? I’ll be right back darling.”

That seems to sound better to Soarynn who nods and curls back up with Ceraphina, holding her tightly.

Coriolanus feels his hands curling into fists the second he’s out of her sight. Those men may have not touched Soarynn physically, but they did emotionally. They’ve terrified his wife and he’s going to make everyone in the Districts pay for it.

He’ll do anything to protect the ones he loves.

To protect his legacy.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Cruel Intentions

| based off the man requests i have gotten for a new arranged marriage series!!! |

Coriolanus often wonders how he missed it. How it slipped his mind, how he was so naive, so stupid to miss it.

He thinks back to their wedding day, how sweet she was, how well behaved and perfect she was. To him, it made total sense, she was perfect because he deserved someone perfect, someone to devote their life to making him happy.

After all, Snow lands on top.

So he gave her his last name, slipped the ring on her finger, smiled for the photos, cut the cake, and whisked her away to his penthouse that would forever be her home.

The ring on his finger now feels like a ball and chain and he wants nothing more than to rip it off and toss it into the trash.

Three months ago Coriolanus Snow married Soarynn Nightingale. It was an arranged marriage, nothing new in the Capitol's elite circles who intended on keeping their circles small and exclusive. Why risk your son or daughter marrying out of their tax bracket when you can just arrange the whole thing?

Coriolanus met Soarynn at a dinner with both their parents, or well, his parents and her father. Apparently, her mother tragically passed away during childbirth, leaving Glen Nightingale with a baby girl and not a clue as to how to raise her. But he did good, he raised a polite, quiet, submissive daughter who conformed to all societal norms without the blink of an eye.

She was perfect.

Or so he thought.

The more he thinks about it, the more the signs become so obvious. Glen's eagerness to get the show on the road, how quiet Soarynn always was, how they never went on a date alone despite him being twenty-five and her being twenty. Coriolanus had brushed it off, his parents didn't want to risk a failed marriage so they were simply making sure that everything went as perfectly as possible.

Soarynn was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen, with dazzling eyes and luscious hair. She put other women to shame with her natural beauty. She dressed impeccably for someone her age and always used her manners when they were in public. Which was a good thing considering that Coriolanus was an aspiring politician who could not afford a bad reputation.

So when it came time to propose, he had no hesitation. He went out and bought a beautiful, expensive ring and slipped it on her finger without batting an eye.

Like a lamb to the fucking slaughter.

Their wedding was huge, it wasn't every day two prominent families became one. Everyone in the Capitol tuned in to watch their wedding and all their friends were there to witness the exchanging of vows.

Soarynn had been all sweet smiles and blushing cheeks, curling into him the moment too much attention landed in her lap. She had looked stunning in her wedding dress, it had been classy yet flattering for her figure, once again solidifying that he made the right choice in marrying Soarynn.

Once the wedding was over, he took her home and prepared to take her virginity, something every man planned for and every woman somewhat dreaded. He had been prepared to be gentle yet stern, she'd have to know who was the dominant party in their relationship.

She let him get the both of them undressed, on the bed and just as he was about to sink into her, she sunk her claws into him.

Soarynn was a fucking thorn in his side.

Coriolanus was quick to find out that the pretty quiet girl he thought he married was only like that in public. Behind closed doors, she gave him a run for his money. It had truly surprised him and the worst part was, no one would believe him if he told anyone. To everyone who knew her, Soarynn was so pliant, so sweet and willing to please.

He knows that he vowed to stand by her side no matter what but this has been a true testament to their marriage and they're only three months in. But he can't give up now, no, he has to push through, be strong and break her into the woman he wants her to be.

Right now she looks as innocent as ever, laughing with his mother across the room, sipping her tea. That little liar. Coriolanus looks at the man next to him who happens to be his father-in-law and wonders if Glen Nightingale is aware of the little fucking tyrant his daughter really is.

Soarynn should really consider becoming an actress based on the performance she's given everyone, including him. He was the dumbest audience member, drinking up every second of her lies.

"So when can we be expecting grandchildren?" His father asks him, causing his throat to dry up. Coriolanus has barely had time to think about children with his current campaign for President but he knows that children are expected with marriage, and sooner than possible. He can't imagine having children with Soarynn right now, they barely even have sex.

Despite her undesirable attitude towards him, Coriolanus wasn't going to let anything keep him from what was rightfully his. Sex was the one thing they could agree on. He only partook in sex when he needed to put her in her place, fucking her until she was screaming into the pillows.

It wasn't the most effective method, unfortunately. It would keep her quiet and put her in her place for about a day before she sparked back up and then he'd have to do it all over again. Coriolanus never thought he'd live in a time when sex felt like a chore but Soarynn really did bring out the worst in him.

"Soon," is all he says, watching his wife place her hand on top of his mother's. It's even worse because his mother loves Soarynn, she adores that girl like she's her own daughter. His father is more reserved in showing affection in general but Coriolanus can see it in his eyes that he's pleased with this union between them.

To his father, this is a successful business deal.

To Coriolanus, it's a punishment from an unknown source.

"How has she been doing?" Glen asks him, sipping his drink, "I know she was a bit nervous to move out." Coriolanus wants to roll his eyes at Glen's naivety but he too was once a fool who believed Soarynn's little act, "She's good," he tells Glen, offering him a tight-lipped smile, "it's been an adjustment for the both of us." The understatement of the fucking century but who's counting?

Glen nods, pleased that this has been going so well, "Ah good, I worried for the longest time that she wouldn't find someone, she's just so shy." She's also a fucking minx but what Glen doesn't know about his daughter won't hurt him.

It'll only hurt Coriolanus.

꧁ ꧂

Later that night the young Snow couple returns to their penthouse apartment and the act is dropped the second Soarynn steps through the door. "Keep your hands to yourself next time," she snaps, glaring up at him, "I'm not your fucking dog."

Coriolanus gave up on trying to be nice to her about a week into their marriage, "Well you certainly act like a little bitch," he shoots back, enjoying how her face falls. It's a battle of wits between the two of them and to his dismay, they're very well matched.

Soarynn is sharp and quick, never giving him too much time to recover from her little jabs. But Coriolanus sleeps well knowing that at the end of the day, she belongs to him.

"I'm not the one with my tail between my legs whenever we're around our parents," she says, walking down the hallway with haste. Coriolanus is right on her heels because she has no idea what he has to worry about on a daily basis. Soarynn spends her days shopping with friends and going to social events. She doesn't lift a fucking finger and yet she loves to show him her middle one.

He grabs her arm and pulls her back until they're face to face and he's fuming, "Fix your fucking attitude," he hisses, "before I fix it for you." If Soarynn was who she pretended to be, she'd be cowering in front of him with tears in her eyes, begging for forgiveness.

But she's not.

She smirks and tilts her head in the most sinister way possible, "What're you gonna do? Fuck me again? You know, you can't solve all of your problems by sticking your cock in me. One of these days you're going to have to actually grow a pair Coriolanus."

He's seething now, he'd never hit a woman but boy does she tempt him. "You belong to me," he says through gritted teeth, "and as my wife, your main priority should be to make me happy, not fucking miserable."

Soarynn rips her arm away from his grip, glaring up at him with her stormy blue eyes, "I don't belong to anyone," she spits out, "especially you."

Coriolanus watches her walk down the hall, furious and defeated at the same time.

He needs to get her under control, but how?

꧁ ꧂

"It's simple," Festus says, leaning over the table, "stop giving her what she wants."

Coriolanus feels terribly lost. He had come to his good friend Festus Creed for advice about his marriage since Festus actually believes his tales about Soarynn's behavior but now he's starting to wonder if he really is doomed.

"I don't give her anything," he claims and Festus shakes his head. "You keep giving her the reactions she's looking for," he explains, "she wants you to get upset, so you get upset. She wants you to doubt yourself and then you go ahead and doubt yourself. Stop reacting to her behavior and then you can correct it."

Coriolanus sits there dumbfounded, for once, Festus might be right.

Soarynn is clearly acting this way on purpose, to evoke a response, and one of these days if he's not careful, he's going to snap in public and then he will be the bad guy.

"Stop giving her what she wants and she'll be on her knees in no time," Festus promises, "it's reverse psychology."

Well, it's worth a shot.

꧁ ꧂

When Coriolanus comes home later that day, he doesn't go to find Soarynn like he usually does. Mostly because all he'll get in return is a glare and a scoff. Soarynn has made it very clear to him that she wants nothing to do with him unless they're in public. Behind closed doors, they stay apart, go their separate ways until it's time for bed.

He goes to his study instead, figuring he might as well prepare for his interview on Sunday. The Capitol News is interviewing all of the candidates running in the race and this will be a good time for him to gain some new supporters. He spends a few hours holed up in his study, going over questions, coming up with new, clever answers.

He still has time to go over anything with his advisors but he feels much better now that he knows what to expect. He glances at the clock on his desk and is shocked to see that it's well past dinner time. They usually have dinner together if he's home although they rarely speak and sit on opposite ends of the table.

Very domestic.

He considers getting up and going to the dining room to join her but decides against it, calling the maid to bring his dinner to him instead so he can do some more work.

It's nearing eight o'clock when he's disturbed by a soft knock at the door. "Come in," he says, still looking down at the papers in front of him. The door slowly opens and he hears her soft voice, "When did you get home?"

"Around one," he answers, not even looking at her.

"Oh."

Coriolanus resists the urge to grin, he might need to kiss Festus on the forehead because he's a genius for this idea.

"Did you need something?" He asks, flipping to the next page casually, "No," she says, "no I didn't need anything."

Coriolanus grunts, "Close the door behind you then."

He doesn't see her face but he can tell how his dismissing her makes her feel. Soarynn closes the door behind her and he listens to her quick receding footsteps.

Coriolanus finally breaks into a grin, it'll be a slow process to break Soarynn down but he's willing to put in the effort.

It's all about moves and countermoves.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus dives deep into his strategy of being cold and distant towards Soarynn. He doesn't speak to her unless absolutely necessary or if they're in public. He keeps himself busy with work and locked away in his study whenever he's home and refrains from taking any bait she lays out for him.

It's working tremendously well for him. Soarynn has been much more quiet and a lot more drawn back since he started acting this way. In public she's sweet but he can tell that she's desperate for the smallest touch he can offer her. But the second they're back home, he doesn't even look at her.

She did this to herself really, he's not the one to blame.

He's officially two months out from the election and the polls are in his favor. For now, though, something could always change as his advisors love to remind him. His mother is over the moon for his success and his father for once, seems genuinely proud of him. Running for President hasn't been an easy feat but he's doing exceptionally well if he says so himself.

He's getting ready for a charity dinner tonight, anything to show face and shake hands. Soarynn is coming with him to show support for her husband and he's got her in the palm of his hand.

He checks his reflection in the mirror one last time, making sure that his curls look perfect and that his tie is straight. The press will be there and he needs to be prepared for any questions they might ask him.

He can hear a small struggle ensuing in their bathroom and looks through the doors to see Soarynn struggling with the zipper of her dress. He sighs, he's been doing an excellent job of remaining cold and withdrawn so far but the small, hopeful part of him knows he should help her. After all, he is her husband.

He steps into the bathroom and she immediately tenses, watching him through the mirror, "Need some help?" He nods at the back of her dress and she looks unsure as to whether or not this is some sort of trap.

She finally nods, "Yes," she says softly.

Coriolanus walks up to her and rests one hand on her back while the other pulls the zipper up with ease. "Thank you," she says, turning to face him. He can see it in her eyes how lonely she is, despite having lots of friends and visiting her father, she's lonely in this big apartment when it's just the two of them. At least when they were arguing she could talk to someone.

"Tonight is very important," he tells her, ignoring her gratitude, "best behavior tonight." He walks out before she can say anything else, it's better this way.

It's better this way.

| Part 1. |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @kickmybark @villiansarehottest @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @melodyoflovee |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Let it Snow

Coriolanus is sound asleep in his nice, warm, comfy, warm bed. And better yet, with his fiancé right next to him, wrapped in his strong arms. It’s the kind of thing a man dreams of but Coriolanus has worked hard to get to where he is, to be able to provide a life of comfort and luxury for his darling fiancé.

He was content to sleep for another six hours before the alarm clock went off, waking him from his slumber so he could trudge to work but her cat, the little diva has different plans apparently.

Coriolanus can hear her pacing around, even in his deep sleep the sound of her claws on the hardwood floor are like nails on a chalkboard to him. And then she starts talking, meowing, yowling as if it isn’t the middle of the night.

He might just have to get a dog this Christmas to keep Petunia on her toes because this is just getting out of hand!

Coriolanus grumbles and tries to ignore her but it’s not use, the damn cat won’t shut up.

“Soarynn,” he mumbles against her back, his lips almost pressed to her shoulder, “Soarynn, please get Petunia to shut up.”

Soarynn unfortunately, can sleep through anything. The girl has been blessed with the ability to close her eyes anywhere and at anytime with out any issues.

Coriolanus is not so lucky.

Another loud meow from Petunia is all it takes for him to fully wake up and roll onto his back, staring up at the ceiling while contemplating his life choices.

Why did he have to get Soarynn a cat?

Why not a goldfish?

Goldfish die so quickly but cats can live well into their twenties.

And he knows why he got her a cat, because she was lonely at night when she’d wait for him to come home from work. He just wishes he could’ve gotten some sort of trial run with Petunia before he fully committed.

To his horror, Petunia hops onto the bed, right into his lap as if she pays the bills. When she was a kitten, she was a tyrant, running around the penthouse at night, meowing, scratching everything.

It got to the point where they had to lock her out of their bedroom if they wanted to get some decent sleep. She’s since outgrown her feisty kitten stages and has settled into the moody teenage years where she hates everyone for no apparent reason.

She only gives him a blank stare before padding over to Soarynn’s side of the bed where she’s bound to get loads of affection despite how late it is.

Sure enough, the moment her little pink nose touches Soarynn’s arm, she’s miraculously waking up. Coriolanus sits up, accepting his fate of not getting any good sleep tonight and simply settles for watching Soarynn wake up as well.

She yawns first, gently pushing Petunia away only for her to come right back, nuzzling her face. Soarynn giggles and takes a hold of Petunia, keeping her still, “Petunia it’s still nighttime,” she tells the cat.

Coriolanus grunts, arms crossed, “It certainly is.”

Soarynn rolls onto her back and holds Petunia tight against her chest, all while Petunia gives Coriolanus a smug look over her small victory. He scoffs, that diva can’t go one hour without Soarynn’s attention.

There had been that time when Soarynn went on a small trip with some of her friends and both Coriolanus and Petunia almost killed themselves in her absence.

Not that he enjoys being apart from Soarynn but at least he doesn’t start screaming about it in the middle of the night.

Soarynn finally opens her eyes and they immediately land on Coriolanus who does his best to look very inconvenienced by this whole thing, “What did you do to her Coryo?”

He might throw a fit.

He gives her a sharp look, “What did I do? She woke me up! She was crying for no reason!”

Soarynn frowns and looks back at Petunia who’s now licking her paw, acting like a perfect angel, “Petunia would never do such a thing, isn’t that right my darling?”

Petunia meows at Soarynn and then turns to look at Coriolanus, flattening her ears down and hissing.

Coriolanus points at her, “See?! She taunts me morning, noon, and now, night!”

Soarynn slowly sits up next to him, careful not to disturb Petunia, heaven forbid, and places a hand on his arm, “You two need to learn how to coexist,” she tells him.

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows because he’ll be damned if he’s the one who gets lectured. “Might I remind you that this is my house? And she is it’s newest inhabitant?”

Soarynn merely rolls her eyes in response and swings her legs over her side of the bed, “You’re so dramatic Coryo. She’s probably just thirsty. I’ll go get her some water and you can try to fall back asleep alright?”

Coriolanus keeps his stare focused on the evil cat who watches him while resting her head on Soarynn’s shoulder, smug as can be.

He watches Soarynn slowly pad over to their bedrooms doors and open them, disappearing into the hallway. She’s only gone for about five seconds before he hears a loud gasp and the sound of her footsteps running back towards their bedroom.

He sits up straighter when hearing her run.

Is there a bug? An intruder?

“Coryo! Coryo it’s snowing! It’s the first snow of the year!”

Soarynn runs back into their room and he’s pleased to note that Petunia has been put down on the floor. Soarynn runs over to the window on her side of the bed and rips the curtains open, letting the moonlight shine into their bedroom. Coriolanus yawns and slides back into bed, “That’s nice darling.”

It usually snows around the holidays but Soarynn always gets so exited when it finally does, she always wants to run outside and catch snowflakes on her tongue. They can do that tomorrow.

“I’m gonna go outside right now!”

His eyes were just drifting shut but they’re wide open now. He sits back up just in time to see Soarynn running back out of their room, this time in the opposite direction of the kitchen. Surely she won’t actually go outside this late into the night.

The sound of the front doors opening and closing quickly prove him wrong.

“This girl is going to be the death of me,” he mutters, getting out of bed with haste. Coriolanus prides himself in always looking presentable in public but this is no time for a fashion show.

He grabs his robe and puts on his slippers before grabbing a sweater from his side of the closet for Soarynn. He rushes out of their bedroom and nearly trips on Petunia who just has to be in the way all the time.

She lets out a loud meow but he ignores her and shuffles down the hallway. Soarynn’s coat is still in the coat closet so she really did run out there with no care at all.

Coriolanus wonders what that must be like as he repeatedly presses the elevator button, what it must be like to not have to worry about anything because she knows that he’ll take care of it. He’s shot him self in the foot if he’s being completely honest. He’s always insisted that she never do anything difficult and now it’s bitten him in the ass.

The elevator finally arrives and he all but punches the button to take him to the lobby. It’s almost comical how he’s forced to listen to elevator music while impatiently tapping his foot.

He finally arrives on the ground floor and is relieved to see that the lobby of his apartment building is empty. There is of course, the doorman but other than that, no one else is here. He strides past the Christmas tree they put up a few days ago and gives the doorman a curt nod as if he’s not in his pajama pants, robe and slippers.

If Soarynn isn’t going to be the death of him then she’ll certainly be the death of his reputation.

He walks outside onto the cold streets to see Soarynn frolicking in the snow. He must admit, she looks adorable spinning around in the snow. And he’s glad to see that she’s atleast wearing slippers.

“Darling,” he calls, “darling come back, let’s go back inside and go to bed.”

Soarynn giggles while the snow continues to fall around her, covering the Corso in a white blanket. He nervously looks for cars but sees none. “Soarynn,” he calls again, really not wanting to leave the sidewalk, “you’ll catch your death if you stay out here.”

But Soarynn pays him no mind and continues running around, her arms held out like she’s a little bird about to take flight.

Coriolanus sighs, women never make anything easy. He trudges out onto the street and grabs Soarynn before she can slip away, wrapping his arms around her, “I think we’ve played in the snow enough for tonight,” he says, trying to pick her up but Soarynn wiggles out of his grip. “No! No, we just got here,” she says, shaking her head, “we should play a game.”

He can feel his eye twitching, “Alright. Let’s play ‘go back upstairs and get into bed’. One, two, three, go!”

Soarynn rolls her eyes, “Coryo,” she whines.

Coriolanus pinches the bridge of his nose, no more patience exists in his body, “Darling, please come inside. I’m tired, you’re tired, we’re all tired.”

Soarynn pouts and he can feel himself giving in, giving into those adorable eyes and that pretty face. She’s got him wrapped around her finger and she knows it too.

He sighs, accepting defeat, “At least put on this sweater I brought for you.”

Soarynn squeals in delight from getting her way and throws her arms around him, “Thank you! We should write our names in the snow!”

Coriolanus is more focused on getting the sweater over her head but he nods along to her suggestion, “We can do that,” he agrees.

Once Soarynn is more clothed to his liking, he helps her write out their names in the snow.

“You write your name and I’ll write mine,” she tells him, very focused on the task at hand. She looks so adorable while she does it with her nose slightly scrunched which means she’s really focused.

Coriolanus smiles to himself and starts writing out his own name.

‘Coriolanus Snow’ looks very impressive in the snow he must admit.

He looks over at Soarynn’s name and his heart skips a beat.

‘Soarynn Snow’ is written and she looks so proud of herself, “I know we’re not married yet but it looks so perfect,” she says dreamily.

Coriolanus grins and stands back up, watching as she draws hearts around her name. He stands behind her, keeping her safe from any harm that might come her way while she has fun. She tilts her head back and giggles when she sees him watching her, “Hi,” she says sweetly.

Coriolanus chuckles, “Hello my sweet girl.”

He still can’t believe he’s going to marry this girl. She’s so sweet, so beautiful and kind. She’s one in a million.

Soarynn pops back onto her feet and nearly slips in the snow but Coriolanus is quick to catch her. With his arms wrapped around her waist and their faces inches apart, he can’t help but lean in to kiss her.

Even in the bitter cold, her lips are still soft and gentle. Soarynn sighs into the kiss, letting him take the lead as he so often does and when they finally pull apart, her eyes are sparkling.

She breaks away from his gaze and looks up at their apartment building, a grin grows across her lips, “I think I can see Petunia.”

Coriolanus turns to look all the way up at the twelfth floor and sure enough, he can see a tiny white ball of fluff staring down at them through one of the windows. They both laugh at the sight, she looks so tiny up there.

“We should go back in before she breaks through the window,” Soarynn says, shaking her head.

Coriolanus hums, keeping his arm wrapped around her waist as they walk back into the building.

If facing the cold means more moments like that with Soarynn, then he’s happy to let it snow for the rest of their lives.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Oh, Baby

Soft giggles and gasps fill the Snow penthouse on a bright winter afternoon. The sounds of glasses clinking and guests mingling are music to Coriolanus Snow’s ears.

He’s always been a fan of hosting gatherings in his ancestral home, even more so now that he’s been married for a little over a year with the love of his life, but now it’s even more special.

Even in the midst of a friendly conversation, he can’t take his eyes off of her.

His Soarynn.

She looks absolutely beautiful in the dress she bought for today, a beautiful cream color that accentuates her baby bump. Six months ago, Coriolanus came home from work and found his wife sitting on their bathroom floor, absolutely beaming with joy.

She was pregnant.

Soarynn’s pregnancy was such a blessing to Coriolanus, the last of his bloodline and a traditional man who always planned on having children with whoever he married. He couldn’t have been more pleased, in less than a year he’d gotten married and gotten his wife pregnant.

Snow lands on top once again.

Ever since she found out about the baby, Soarynn has been determined to make everything “perfect” as if their gorgeous penthouse isn’t enough. She flew into action, creating the perfect nursery for their future baby girl, choosing the crib, wall paper, dresser, and everything else.

He’s lost count of how many shoes she’s bought for their baby girl.

She cried when they found out they were have a girl, and Coriolanus must admit, he was a little teary eyed as well. To have a carbon copy of Soarynn sounds like a dream come true for him.

He hopes that their little girl won’t only inherit Soarynn’s beauty, but her heart as well. Soarynn is so kind, so loving, and patient. He often feels as though he doesn’t deserve her or her love. Even now just watching her he feels such pride swelling inside of his chest.

She’s stunning, absolutely stunning. So graceful and eloquent, always knowing what to say and how to make people feel at ease.

Soarynn has certainly been feeling a bit uncomfortable this far into her pregnancy. The back pain and morning nausea crept up on her one morning and she’s been beside herself ever since from six o’clock to about noon. Coriolanus does all that he can to help, holding back her hair, rubbing her back, whispering sweet words of devotion.

He’d take on all of her pain in a heartbeat. She knows that. She just has to know how much he adores her.

More gasps fill the room and he watches several of Soarynn’s closest friends circle around her, resting their hands on her protruding stomach. Their little girl must be kicking. She’s always much more active when Soarynn is active which is why she’s been taking lots of walks and keeping herself busy.

While Coriolanus is the breadwinner of their small family, Soarynn manages their household and their social lives. She attends auctions, galas, galleries, luncheons, and fashion shows for the both of them whenever he can’t make it. And even in the worst bouts of her pregnancy, she remains the ever sweet Soarynn Snow that people know her to be.

All this afternoon Coriolanus has been congratulated on the pregnancy and securing such a wonderful wife such as Soarynn. Not that it’s a competition, but he has already concluded that he’s far more successful than any of his friends.

He was the first to get married, first to become the head of his own firm, and now, the first to be expecting a child.

Yes, Snow certainly does land on top.

“You’re finished with the nursery?” Festus asks, drawing his attention back to his friends even though it’s hard to look away from the woman he loves the most.

“Soarynn is finished with the nursery,” he corrects his friend, sipping more of his drink, bourbon, of course, for an event like this.

Soarynn has been planning this baby shower almost as long as she’s been planning to give birth. She put it all together, hired the caterer, the decorator, and commissioned this custom-made dress from her seamstress so she felt her absolute best today.

She didn’t even wake up with any morning sickness today which was a miracle within itself. Coriolanus helped her get ready since having a large stomach often made putting on shoes difficult.

He doesn’t know how she’s in high heels right now but she looks tremendously good in them if it’s any consolation.

He was mostly excited for the baby shower because she was excited for the baby shower. Soarynn is far more emotional and sentimental than he is, often tearing up at things he would deem insignificant if it weren’t for her and her big heart.

So he made sure to look his best and prepare to greet a lot of people he barely remembered. Between work and being a Capitol socialite, the names start to blur together at a certain point and he can’t be bothered to seperate them.

But Soarynn remembers everyone.

Coriolanus wasn’t too keen on just letting anyone into his home so he capped the guest list at one hundred people, figuring the rest could wait down below on the Corso if they wanted to celebrate their baby so much.

Soarynn, of course, protested, wanting everyone to be included but he remained firm in his decision, telling himself and her that he knew best when it came to these things. He didn’t want her to get overwhelmed. Being the hostess and the guest of honor is a big responsibility.

“Have you even been inside of the nursery?” Felix teases, laughing with their friends, “Or are you only allowed to go in with Soarynn supervising you?”

Coriolanus rolls his eyes at the jokes and teasing. None of these men know what it’s like to live with a pregnant woman and that’s something he holds above them. Even if they don’t see it that way.

He glances over at Soarynn again and she seems so at ease surrounded by friendly faces. “Let me show you then,” he accepts the challenge unofficially presented to him, mostly because he’s a big man with a big ego.

He leads his friends out of the living room and down the hallway, taking long, determined strides. Truthfully, he’s only been inside the nursery a handful of times to help Soarynn hang something up. If he didn’t help her, they’d have about a million tiny holes in their walls.

He gives his friends a boastful look before pushing open the doors to his daughter’s nursery, pleased with how it’s turned out. The light pink wallpaper with trees on it brings a certain warmth to the room along with the sconces that give off light.

The nursery has been beautifully done. They chose this room for a number of reasons, it’s the closest to their own bedroom, and Soarynn loved how much natural light flooded into it. And the closet was huge.

The second they found out they were having a girl, Coriolanus knew that his life was about to get a whole lot more expensive.

He’s stopped trying to count the number of shoes, shirts, dresses, and other things Soarynn has already bought for their future daughter. Not to mention the accessories, the hairbows, the socks, the little coats. On the white dresser sits a few stuffed animals Soarynn has purchased over the months.

A bear, a swan, a bunny rabbit, very cute in his opinion. In the corner of the nursery is a large armchair that Soarynn will sit in whenever she nurses their daughter, right by the windows with light pink curtains draping to the ground.

The nursery is endlessly charming with the crown molding, the small details, the gold hardware, the framed photographs. It’s timeless so of course it’s fit for the child of a Snow.

“Well, well, well, looks like Soarynn has been busy,” Festus remarks, strolling around the space, “has she run you dry yet?”

Coriolanus shakes his head, Soarynn loves to shop and now that they’re expecting, she has another excuse to do it. “Not yet,” he answers, “but there’s still time.”

He stops by the crib he was forced to put together a few months ago. It nearly caused a divorce between the young couple, there were so many screws and the instructions didn’t make any sense. And to make things worse, Soarynn suggested hiring someone to do it as if she didn’t have a big, strong, capable husband right there in front of her.

This crib was truly a labor of love.

But it’s beautiful, timeless like the rest of the room. He knows that Soarynn still needs to buy a few more things, some blankets, a mobile to go above the crib, some books to read to their daughter at night.

He peers into the crib and is met with a most unpleasant sight.

Petunia.

She blinks up at him, sprawled out in the crib that she’s taken quite a liking to. She must think that they did this all for her. That she’s finally gotten her own room after all these years. Well, he hates to be the bearer of bad news but she’s about to get evicted once this baby comes and claims her nursery.

Soarynn thinks it’s sweet, thinks that it means she already understands that a baby is coming. Coriolanus thinks Petunia is the most spoiled creature to walk the earth and that’s she’s in for a rude awakening once the baby gets here.

But that can be Soarynn’s problem since it’s her cat.

“Coryo?”

The sound of Soarynn’s sweet voice is enough to make him melt as she walks into the nursery, hands on her stomach. “Oh, what’re you all doing in here?”

Felix gives the bunny rabbit a poke before answering, “We wanted to see the nursery, see all of your husband’s hard work.” Coriolanus rolls his eyes, he’d never take credit for this, it’s too well done to be something he put together.

Soarynn wears an amused look on her face, “I see. Well we’re about to start opening gifts,” she tells them, reaching out her hand to him and Coriolanus gladly crosses the room to take it, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Are you feeling alright darling?”

Soarynn leans into his touch, he gets so worried about her, about her health and safety. Especially when he’s away at work. She is his top priority.

She hums, closing her eyes for a second, “Perfectly fine,” she assures him.

Their friends file out of the nursery, leaving Coriolanus and Soarynn with a moment to themselves, “I can’t believe she’s going to be here soon,” Soarynn whispers. Coriolanus looks around the nursery again, imagining what it’ll look like when Soarynn is rocking their baby girl back and forth, humming a lullaby.

He instinctively rests a hand on her stomach and smiles when he feels a tiny kick come from inside. “Oh, she knows you’re here,” Soarynn says, moving his hand lower, “she’s always so responsive to her father.”

Coriolanus is nearly glowing with pride. He has a beautiful wife who loves him and a daughter who’s already eager to meet him and she’s not even earth side yet.

“She’s going to be quite spoiled when she gets here.”

Soarynn sighs and they both watch Petunia hop out of the crib, padding over to her humans with curious eyes, “Petunia will have to get used to it,” Soarynn murmurs, another kick lands against his hand, “but it’ll be fine, everything will be fine.”

Coriolanus nods, rubbing her side, “Perfectly fine,” he agrees.

After all, they’re the Snows. They always land on top.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @kickmybark @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @wonderlandbound111 @melodyoflovee @erensrealgf @evilmenarehot |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Darling, it's cold outside.

The cold, bitter air bites at Coriolanus as he steps out of his office building onto the busy Capitol street.

He adjusts his grip on his briefcase and shoves his other gloved hand into the pocket of his coat, there’s no need to lose more fingers than necessary. He keeps his gaze forward as he starts towards his car, a million thoughts running through his mind.

Some are about work, how well he’s doing, if he’ll get that promotion he's been gunning for all year. It gets so tricky around the holidays, no one really wants to focus on work when they could be spending time with family.

But Coriolanus has no family.

Which makes him the perfect candidate to work a little later than everyone else since he much prefers the peace and quiet over the loud chatter. He would’ve worked even later if he didn’t have a date tonight.

A date with Livia Cardew.

Coriolanus is a single man but it isn’t for a lack of trying. He’s attempted to go on a few dates here and there, squeezing them into his busy schedule but nothing has ever stuck, ever clicked. The women he goes on these dates with are more than just conquests to him, he wants the real thing, someone to start a family with him and share his vision.

He has yet to find someone in the Capitol to do that with.

So he keeps trying. This will be his third date with Livia and he’s hoping that the third time is the charm.

It’s probably not.

He slides into the backseat of his car with a heavy sigh, today was so tiring he wishes he could just go home and go to bed. But Livia would be furious and he’s not one to stand up a lady on a date. And she knows where he lives.

“The Grand Oak please,” he says to his driver, pulling a box of cigarettes out of his briefcase, he needs a smoke every once in a while and it’s somewhat frowned upon by all the ladies who work at the office. They always complain about the smell, about how it clings to clothing, Coriolanus and Festus often brave the cold just for a few sacred minutes with a cigarette.

He stares out the window at the passing Capitol streets, admiring how beautiful the city is this time of year with all the holiday lights and displays. He hopes Livia won't be too nagging tonight, all she did last time was complain about her job, and while Coriolanus can easily sympathize with anyone about working, he certainly won't whine about it over dinner.

Tonight will be great.

It has to be great.

꧁ ꧂

Tonight was terrible.

Coriolanus trudges down the sidewalk, cigarette in hand while he blows into the cold air. Livia managed to get on every one of his nerves tonight, whining about shopping for the holidays and then giving him flack for his lack of enthusiasm over their date.

Needless to say, this was their last date.

He stops at the corner and watches other people cross the busy streets, hand in hand with one another. If they found love so easily then surely he can do the same. He watches one woman cross the street, a handbag hangs from her shoulder while she briskly walks towards a small cafe. There's something about her, something so familiar about the way she walks, how she carries herself, how she smiles at the man who holds the door open for her.

Then it hits him.

It's Soarynn. Soarynn Nightingale, his ex-girlfriend from the Academy.

Coriolanus doesn't realize that his feet are moving until he's already across the street, making his way to the bustling cafe. He peers through the window, doing his best not to look creepy as he looks for Soarynn. He sees her at the counter, ordering a coffee no less. He hasn't seen her in years, not since they broke up and went their separate ways.

Has fate led him here? Should he go in and say hello?

Coriolanus prides himself on following his head rather than his heart but his heart seems to be taking over right now because he's pulling the cafe door open before he can stop himself. He throws his cigarette into the ashtray and scans the crowded cafe, the smell of coffee and pastries is overwhelming. He spots Soarynn walking down the counter towards an empty table, done placing her order.

He's got to time this right.

He briskly walks over to the counter where a chipper staff member greets him with a smile, "What can I get for you, sir?" He's unable to tear his gaze away from the blonde-haired woman who's sitting alone in the corner of the cafe, "Um, a coffee please, black."

He doesn't care how much it costs, he doesn't even care how it tastes.

He shoves several bills across the counter, mumbling for them to keep the change. He doesn't know what Soarynn ordered but this all has to be timed perfectly or this will all be for nothing and he'll be stuck with a black, soulless coffee.

He watches a staff member mix together a drink before lifting it up to read the name scrawled on the side of the cup, "Soarynn?"

His heart starts racing, maybe he timed it too late or too early. He watches Soarynn slowly get up from her chair and just when all hope is lost, "Coriolanus?"

He takes his time walking to the end of the counter, watching from the corner of his eye as Soarynn looks at his cup of coffee, a look of realization crosses over her face and she looks up at him, "Coriolanus Snow?"

He feigns a look of shock, "Soarynn? I can't believe this, I haven't seen you in years! What're the odds?" Soarynn smiles and shrugs, "Looks like this city isn't big enough for both of us." Coriolanus laughs and watches her bring her cup to her lips, taking a sip before scrunching her nose, "Could I get some sugar please?" She asks sweetly, taking off the lid, "Still overdoing it with the sugar huh?" He teases, grinning when she shoots him a look.

"Everyone needs some sweetness in their life," she counters back, thanking the staff member when they hand her some sugar packets. "How are you? It's been ages since we last saw each other."

Coriolanus nods, leaning against the counter, "Good, I'm good. Busy with work. What about you?"

Soarynn sighs, gazing up at him the way she used to when they were dating, "I'm good too. Busy pulling everything together for this season's line."

"Ah, that's right, you're a big fashion designer now."

Soarynn blushes and shakes her head, "Hardly. And what about you? I heard that you're working at one of the biggest firms in the Capitol, that must be so exciting for you."

Not in the way she'd think but Coriolanus nods, "It is, I'm very happy with how everything's gone for me this year. Were you just getting off of work?"

Soarynn looks back at her table in the corner, a large binder sits across it, "Yes, I've been working a bit later than usual. What about you? Same story?"

Horrible images of his very recent date with Livia flash through his eyes and he quickly presses a smile to his lips, "Yep, burning the midnight oil." Soarynn shifts on her feet, her eyes scanning him up and down, "Well...are you in a rush to get home?"

Coriolanus retrains himself from jumping with joy as he settles for a causal head shake, "Not at all, I just needed something to warm me up." Soarynn wraps her fingers around her own cup, "Me too, I hate the cold."

He chuckles, she's always preferred summer over winter, "It's not that bad."

"Would you like to sit?" She points over at her table, "I know it's so last minute but I haven't seen you since..." Her words die off as she remembers their bitter ending and Coriolanus clears his throat, "Yeah...but I'd love to catch up."

He follows Soarynn over to her table and he can't help but look at her sketches scrawled across the pages. The designs are stunning and so in tune with who she is as a person, "These are beautiful," he tells her, finding no lies in his words. Soarynn closes the binder shut, her face flushed, "They're just sketches for spring."

Coriolanus tilts his head, "But it's winter right now."

An amused look grows on her face as if she knows something he doesn't, "Which is why we're working ahead so by the time spring gets here we're not behind." Coriolanus is bewildered by her way of thinking. In his line of business, he's always been told to focus on what's right in front of him.

"Fashion seems terribly complicated," he says before taking a sip of his coffee, it's not half bad either. Soarynn hums and tucks her binder away in her leather bag, "It's all about trends. All of my designs in the stores right now were created this summer. It requires a very forward way of thinking."

Coriolanus doesn't spend a lot of time shopping but whenever he's passing by the fanciest shops, he always sees her designs in the front windows. "Well you've done amazing for yourself, I see your designs everywhere."

"That's very kind of you," she murmurs, "and the credit can't all go to me, I have an amazing team and amazing partners. Clemmie and Persephone deserve as much credit as I do."

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows, he's always known Soarynn to be kind but he's forgotten how humble she is, "You're still friends with Clemmie and Persephone?"

Soarynn hums sipping her own drink, "Mhm. We all went to fashion school together, graduated the same year you did if I recall. Then we got hired by our current fashion house, it's run exclusively by women."

Coriolanus grins, it's a stark contrast to his firm that's run by men, "That must be interesting, do you all fight over shoes and handbags?" Soarynn rolls her eyes at his teasing and sits back in her chair, "Hardly. We all have such different and distinct senses of style, that's what makes our designs so unique. There's something for everyone."

Coriolanus has never paid too much attention too much attention to fashion, not when the color black is always in style but Soarynn has always had impeccable taste. Classy yet trendy, stylish yet elegant. He takes a moment to truly admire the young woman she's become. Her hair is still blonde as ever but she's gotten it cut in layers to frame her face in a very flattering manner.

Her eyes are still startling, blue and gray. Her complexion is flawless, a bit of blush dots her cheeks but her freckles stand out like stars in the night sky. She's still so beautiful.

"You...you look good," he tells her, watching her eyes slightly grow bigger at his compliment, "you've always looked good but now you're all grown up."

Soarynn shly smiles across the table at him, "Well you still look handsome as ever Coryo."

Coryo. He hasn't heard that name since they ended things. It was a nickname exclusively reserved for Soarynn, the one girl who's really gotten to know his heart. He does his best to mask his giddiness, "Thank you. I like to think I'll look like my father before I know it."

Soarynn scans his face, making him feel a bit self-conscious but Soarynn doesn't have a malicious bone in her body, she'd never put others down. "I do remember seeing your father's picture in the yearbook, he looked very handsome." Coriolanus breaks into a teasing grin, "What're you saying? That my father is better looking than me?"

Soarynn laughs, brushing her hair behind her ears, "Hardly! I'm just saying that good looks run in the Snow family." Well, that makes him feel better. He's not balding or attempting to grow a beard like other men his age so he hopes that the odds are in his favor when it comes to physical appearance.

"But what about you? How has it been with work?" She asks, giving him her full undivided attention which means a lot after dealing with Livia who only wants to talk about herself. He scratches the back of her neck, "It's um, it's good. It's a lot sometimes," he admits, "but it's challenging and I enjoy a challenge. Felix and Festus work there as well so it's nice to see a familiar face and my other colleagues are pleasant enough."

Soarynn leans forward, resting her forearms on the table, "But?"

How is it that after all these years she's still able to pick up on him holding back from her?

He rubs his temples, "I have everything I've ever wanted and no one to share it with." Soarynn's face softens and her eyes hold shared emotion, "I get that," she says softly, "it's not easy coming home to an empty house every night."

Coriolanus unintentionally eyes her left hand, her ring finger to be precise and it's empty. Soarynn Nightingale, by some miracle, has not been swooped up yet. Which is hard to believe, she's stunning, kind, funny, and smart. She's a catch.

"Do you date?" He asks, praying that she's sworn off men since they ended things but to his chagrin, Soarynn slowly nods, "Sometimes," she mumbles, playing with her fingers, "it's hard with work and friends. And no offense, but all of you men are the same right now, so serious and closed off. It's hard to connect when no one wants to be vulnerable."

He bites the inside of his cheek, he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't thrilled to hear that she's single and on the market. But they already had a relationship, a long one with a painful ending if he remembers correctly and neither of them want to go through that again. That's why they never kept in touch.

It's easier to get over someone if you just pretend that they don't exist.

"Dating is a bit tricky," he agrees, thinking back to the murderous look Livia gave him when he told her this was their last date, "but I like to think that it means that you're just one more heartbreak away from finding your true love."

Soarynn doesn't look too convinced but she offers him a small smile, "I already got my heart broken," she reminds him and they both look away, trying to forget what they had with one another.

"Excuse me, we'll be closing in ten minutes." The staff member's voice jolts them both out of their little bubble and Coriolanus looks around to cafe to find it empty. They're the last ones in here and he's barely sipped his coffee. Soarynn grabs her bag, "I should go."

Coriolanus quickly stands up, pushing in his chair, "Let me take you home."

She looks up at him with hesitation, he can see it in her eyes, should she trust him?

He nods out the window where his driver has parked the car, idly waiting for him, "I insist, I can't in good consciousness let you walk on the streets by yourself this late at night."

He really just wants to spend more time with her but at least he looks very chivalrous right now. Soarynn debates the offer, walk home in the cold, dark night, or get driven for free.

"Alright," she finally agrees, "that's very kind of you."

Coriolanus smiles and leads the way out of the cafe, holding the door open for her like the gentleman he is, "You must be very important if you have your own car," she muses, sliding into the backseat. Coriolanus slides in after her, closing the door behind him, "Something like that," he agrees, nodding at his driver, "Cornelia Street please."

Soarynn gives him an impressed look, "You remembered."

"Remembered what?"

"Where I live."

Coriolanus almost laughs, how could he forget the one street he subconsciously avoids in fear of running into the one girl who knew his heart?

"I have a good memory," is all he says in reply.

They're both quiet for the rest of the ride, soaking in the silence and each other's presence. Coriolanus can't help but think that this might all be fate, having a terrible date only to run into Soarynn moments later.

It's a Christmas miracle is what it is.

The car turns down the familiar street and a million memories flash through his mind of all the time he spent on this street, spent walking on this street because he didn't have a fancy car or driver when he was at the Academy. And she still loved him, despite his social status or financial status, Soarynn loved him for who he was.

The car slows to a stop in front of the Nightingale townhouse, a sight Coriolanus swore he'd never see again. He opens the door, closing his eyes when the cold air washes over him, it'll probably start snowing soon and the Capitol streets will look like a white blanket.

He turns to help Soarynn out of the car, extending a hand and he sees the look of surprise on her face but she recovers smoothly and places her small hand in his large one as she steps out of the car. She looks so graceful while doing the simplest tasks. "Thank you," she says.

He grunts and follows her down the pathway that leads to the front door. A pretty wreath with a red bow hangs on the door and Soarynn fumbles around her bag, searching for her key. "Never thought I'd be on your front door step again," he admits, hoping he's not digging up old graves that they've already put to rest.

Soarynn lets out a breathy laugh and pulls out her key, "Me neither," she says, unlocking the door. She pushes it open and the smell of vanilla completely overwhelms him, it feels like coming home to a place that's no longer his. He peers into the house, everything still looks about the same but he's sure she's made some changes over the past six years.

Soarynn goes to step inside but she hesitates, wrapping her fingers around the door handle, "Would you...would you like to come in for a drink?"

Coriolanus looks down at his watch, it's eleven o'clock but he has all the time in the world for Soarynn Nightingale. "I'd love to."

He follows her into her home and can see that she's decorated for Christmas by wrapping the grand staircase's banister with green garlands and he can see a small Christmas tree in the living room.

"You're here all by yourself still?" He asks, hanging his coat by the door. He figured she'd hire some household staff, maybe get a fish or something. "Not exactly," Soarynn says, leaning against the staircase banister, "I got a cat."

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows because, from the day he met Soarynn, she's always wanted a cat. "And where is this cat?" He looks around for any signs of a feline residing in the home but finds none. Maybe she has a quiet, shy cat who doesn't bother anyone.

Soarynn starts making her way to the kitchen and he's right on her heels, reminiscing all the time he spent in the Nightingale townhouse, "She's around here somewhere," she says over her shoulder, "she likes to hide until she's studied you."

Oh wonderful, she got a cat who thinks it's a leopard.

The kitchen is exactly as he remembers it, beautifully crafted with lots of personal touches such as photographs and kitchenware passed down from family members. "Do you want wine or something else?" She asks, digging around one of the cupboards.

Coriolanus stops by the fridge, gently touching a photo of Soarynn and her late father Glen Nightingale. He'd recognize this photo anywhere because it was plastered onto the invitation he received for Glen's funeral. Coriolanus and every elite member of Capitol society attended although he remained hidden in the back of the crowd, the last thing he wanted was to make Soarynn's day worse.

When he looks back over at her, she's already looking at him, a sad smile on her lips, "I think my father has some bourbon in his collection if you'd prefer that." Coriolanus quickly shakes his head, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants, "Oh no, please don't trouble yourself, wine is great."

She hums although she doesn't look like she believes him, "It's almost been four years and yet sometimes I come home and expect him to be in his study." Coriolanus shifts on his feet, he's no stranger to losing a parent, not when both of his died during the war but Soarynn adored her father. It's a shame that something like heart failure had to take him away from her.

"I never sent a card," he says, chiding himself for being so negligent, "I should've sent a card when he died, should've done something."

Soarynn crosses the room and gently grabs his arm, "Coryo, it's fine. Please don't beat yourself up over that, it was years ago and I know you came to the funeral. Everyone processes grief differently." He's having a hard time accepting that his not sending a card is okay because it's not. Glen was like a father figure to him and he couldn't even comfort his daughter when she needed it the most.

"You were all alone," he murmurs, looking down into her startling eyes, "I know we weren't speaking but still, I could've sent a card."

Soarynn gives his arm a squeeze and her eyes sparkle a little bit, "You can always send me a Christmas card."

They both break into a grin from her joke and suddenly, things don't feel so bad.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus has forgotten how wonderful it is to be in Soarynn's presence.

And he's never seen her tipsy but it's a sight to see. She shrieks with laughter as they remember the time when he and Festus ran through the Academy halls in only their underwear after Didi Ring dared them to do it. "I still can't believe no one caught you!" She laughs, leaning back into the sofa. Coriolanus chuckles and proudly shrugs, "Only those who had the privilege of witnessing our greatness can look back on it and say they were there to see it."

Soarynn finishes off her wine, setting the glass on the coffee table, "You were always so confident, I remember admiring that about you a lot." Coriolanus tilts his head, Soarynn has definitely become more comfortable in her own skin but she's never been as outgoing as he is.

"Well, you're confident now," he points out, "you've got your own clothing line catering to the richest women in Panem."

Soarynn wags a finger at him like he said something wrong, "I cater to all the women in Panem," she corrects, a proud look on her face, "my designs range from high-end to affordable for everyone who wants to feel put together. It's important to make everyone feel included."

Coriolanus is stunned, he wasn't aware that her designs could be accessed by the lower class but it seems like something Soarynn would do with that righteous heart of hers. She's always thought about others.

"Well there you go then," he nods, "I have my confidence and you have your generosity."

Soarynn smiles, "We'd make quite the pair."

The comfortable feeling between them quickly dissipates from those words. They did make quite the pair until they didn't anymore and he was storming out of her house, swearing to never see or think of her again. Looks like he lied.

"You know, I kind of forgot about how things ended between us," he says, resting his elbow on the armrest of his chair, "I mean I just don't remember what was said before we split."

Soarynn raises her eyebrows, sitting up straight and he knows he's in for an earful, "Oh so you don't remember our last fight?"

He offers her a charming smile but she waves him off, not falling for his tricks, "We both wanted different things," she says with a sigh, "you always knew what you wanted and you wanted it before you could even handle it. I wanted to take life slowly, work on fashion, work on us but you...you've just always wanted everything and I thought that I was your everything."

Coriolanus is starting to remember their last days together, remember the fights, the stress, the tears. "I've always felt the need to prove myself, and I've always had a lot of pride," he admits, more to himself than to her, "and I let that get in the way of a lot of things, including you."

Coriolanus has a lot of regrets but Soarynn has always been on the top of his list.

"We both went down different paths," Soarynn tells him softly, reaching over to place her hand on his forearm, "but we both got what we wanted in the end. You got the job you always wanted, the money, the penthouse, the clothes, the car. And I got what I always wanted. Sometimes people have to go separate ways to get what they want."

Coriolanus stares down at her hand so casually resting on his forearm, only his white button-up shirt separates them and he's starting to remember all the times they spent together without clothes.

"And what happens when those people grow up and run into each other one night at a cafe?" He asks with a shakiness in his voice that he's not used to.

Soarynn swallows, turning pink in the dim lighting, "Well I haven't gotten that far yet."

Before either of them can say anything else, a white ball of fluff jumps onto the sofa next to Soarynn and Coriolanus nearly falls out of his chair, "Oh, Petunia! There you are darling. Coryo, this is my cat, Petunia." Soarynn grabs the white fluffy cat who immediately melts in her hold, purring intensely.

Coriolanus composes himself and slowly reaches out for her to smell his hand, "So this is the cat. I thought she'd never show."

Petunia looks over at him and meows, sniffing his hand for only a second before deeming him not important. What amazes him the most is how Petunia's eyes are the same color as Soarynn's, blue and gray.

"She looks just like you," he blurts out, "in a good way," he adds when he sees the face Soarynn is making. She looks at Petunia for a moment, squinting her eyes, "I suppose we have some similarities," she agrees.

Coriolanus looks over at the grandfather clock that's been in this living room since he can remember and it's almost two o'clock in the morning!

"I should go," he says, "I have a fitting for some new suits at twelve tomorrow."

Soarynn nods and sets a protesting Petunia down, "Let me walk you out."

They both shuffle out of the living room and Petunia follows them to the front door, curious about this new large human in her house. "I had a really nice time tonight," Soarynn tells him while he puts on his coat, "it was really nice seeing you again Coryo."

Coriolanus looks down at her and thinks of a time when she'd have her arms wrapped around his neck when he'd leave, begging him not to leave. She still looks beautiful though.

"I had a nice time too. I'm glad we ran into each other."

Soarynn smiles and Coriolanus just has to see her again. But how?

The holidays are so busy and they both have work and...the holiday work party!

"Would you like to go to a party with me?" He blurts out before he can stop himself. Soarynn looks surprised but not put off by the invitation, "A party?"

Coriolanus rests his hand on the door handle but makes no move to open it, "Yes, my firm is throwing a party for all its employees and we're allowed to bring plus ones. And I as we have established, lack a plus one."

Soarynn grins, looking him up and down, "That's hard to believe. When is it?"

"The twenty-first."

With his luck, she's busy on that night only.

"Alright," she says, leaning forward on her heels, "it would be an honor to accompany you to such an important event. What's the dress code?"

Truth be told, he barely glanced at the invitation, only noting the date to put on his calendar, "I'll let you know," he answers, "but maybe wear something red." She's always looked good in red.

"I'll scour my closet for a red dress," she promises.

They both stand there for a second, on the cusp of something that once was and maybe what could be if they play their cards right.

"Good night Soarynn."

Without any warning, she presses herself to her tiptoes and kisses his cheek, just like she used to when they'd go to separate classes, "Good night Coryo."

He's never washing this cheek again.

He manages to open the door and get down the two steps without making an absolute fool of himself, waving goodbye once more before slipping into his car. He brings his hand up to where her lips just were, perhaps this is a Christmas miracle.

He won't be a fool this time and take it for granted.

꧁ ꧂

“It’s ice skating,” Festus says, lingering in the doorway to the office that belongs to Coriolanus, "you know, a fun wintery activity. You do remember how to have fun, right Snow?"

Coriolanus rolls his eyes, doing his best to ignore Festus and his persistent nagging, "I do have fun Festus," he sighs, "I also have work to do and no one to take with me." Festus strolls into the office and plops down in the armchair that sits across the desk, "Just fly solo. It'll just be me and Felix."

Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, "And your girlfriends," he adds, shaking his head when Festus grins, "I'd rather not be a fifth wheel again."

Festus leans back in the chair, almost toppling over, "Isn't there someone you can invite? I know you and Livia are done dating but..."

"Absolutely not," Coriolanus says before Festus can get any further, "I don't want to literally be skating on thin ice with Livia Cardew, thank you very much."

Festus attempts to pout but that shit only works on his girlfriend Persephone, "Please? We'll have much more fun if you come."

Coriolanus sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, there is someone he could invite but he's not sure if telling Festus about it is a good idea. Festus has a tendency to tell Persephone everything and Persephone has a tendency to blab about it to everyone.

"I could call Soarynn," Coriolanus finally says, wisely ignoring the surprised look Festus gives him, "but it's terribly last minute."

Festus leans forward in his chair, hooked on this developing story, "I'm sorry, did you say Soarynn? As in Soarynn Nightingale, the girl who you swore to never talk about again as long as you li-"

"Yes," Coriolanus cuts him off, "the only Soarynn in the entire world, yes her. We ran into each other the other night and we...we reconnected."

Festus wiggles his eyebrows in a suggestive manner, "Reconnected or reconnected?"

Coriolanus scoffs, Festus is unbelievable, "We talked you fool. We had a decent, adult conversation and she's agreed to be my date for the holiday work party so you'd better be on your best behavior."

He doesn't mention how he called Soarynn last night to tell her about the party dress code and how they ended up talking for another hour and a half while Soarynn did laundry and Coriolanus finished up some work in his study. No, Festus doesn't need to know about that.

It had reminded him of when they dated and would spend hours on the phone as if they didn't spend hours together in person.

"She's probably busy tonight," he mumbles with a dismissive shrug.

Festus jumps out of his chair and slams his hands on the desk, "Well call her and find out!"

Coriolanus jumps at the sudden outburst but he can see how thrilling of a prospect this is to Festus who's been pushing Coriolanus to get out there more with the ladies. He pushed him right into Livia Cardew and they saw how that turned out.

Coriolanus eyes the telephone sitting on his desk. It wouldn't hurt to call. "You'll wait out in the hallway like a civilized person," he instructs Festus while picking up the phone.

Festus grins with glee and practically skips out into the hall.

Well, now he actually has to call her.

Coriolanus stares up at the ceiling for a second, hoping he's not going to ruin this, whatever this is before dialing the number to Soarynn's office building. She works a few blocks down from his building but the fashion house takes up the entire first three floors.

The phone rings for what feels like far too long before someone picks up, "Tigris' House of Fashion, how may I assist you?" The chipper voice of the secretary doesn't help calm his nerves, "Hello, I was hoping to speak with Soarynn Nightingale."

"May I ask who's calling?"

Coriolanus looks over his shoulder and sees Festus peeking his head into the study, "It's uh, it's Coriolanus Snow," he says while grabbing a stapler to throw at Festus, "I only need to inquire about a certain date."

"One moment please."

Coriolanus launches his stapler but Festus dodges it with a grin, "Coryo?"

Suddenly the phone has his undivided attention.

"Soarynn? Hi, so sorry to bother you at work but I was calling to see if you're free tonight."

The line is so silent that he's worried she already hung up, "Tonight? What's tonight?" He can hear muffled voices in the background, female voices, "Ice skating," he tells her, "I got invited by Festus and Felix who are taking Persephone and Clemmie and I thought you might want to come with me. As friends."

He mentally punches himself after saying that. As friends? What else would they go as?!

He hears Festus snickering from outside and decides to start locking his office door from now on, "Oh, that sounds like fun! Clemmie mentioned ice skating earlier, I should be able to come."

Coriolanus grins, wrapping the phone cord around his thumb, "That's great, we'll see you girls there."

"Wonderful, see you tonight."

Coriolanus triumphantly hangs up the phone, courage and adrenaline rushing through his veins. "You look happy," Festus remarks, stepping back into the office, stapler in hand, "I take it she's coming tonight?"

Coriolanus laces his fingers together and stretches out his arms, "She is."

Festus playfully jostles his shoulder, clearly excited about the prospect of Coriolanus and Soarynn getting back together which would be the most logical explanation as to why they're tagging along with their friends but it's not. And they're not going to get back together because they're both rational adults who can act on logic rather than feelings.

Simple as that.

꧁ ꧂

Wrapped in their winter coats, Coriolanus, Festus, and Felix make their way towards the City Centre. The Centre is the heart of the Capitol, where everyone comes together to celebrate all sorts of holiday events. They host other things like concerts and charity events, but they always go all out for Christmas. Right now, there's a beautifully decorated tree, at least three stories high, and the infamous ice skating rink.

Coriolanus hasn't partaken in a lot of ice skating in his life, mostly because he sees it as an easy way to make a fool of himself, fall on his ass and break his wrist.

But if Soarynn's going to be here then he might as well risk it for a little fun.

"There they are," Felix points at a trio of women, already decked out in their own winter outfits and skates, sitting on a bench by the rink with the tree behind them. Clemensia notices the boys first and breaks into a big grin, attempting to stand up but running in ice skates is more difficult than it looks. She teeters over to Felix who greets her with a kiss too sloppy for someone like Coriolanus who despises that level of public affection.

Persephone and Soarynn stay seated, letting the boys come to them and Festus already is cracking jokes, "Looks like we're about to break the ice!" He says, resting a hand on Persephone's shoulder. Both women roll their eyes and Persephone shakes her head, "You're lucky you're so cute," she tells Festus who grins in return. "I know," he replies.

The couple start talking about something Coriolanus could care less about and he turns his attention to Soarynn who looks beautiful tonight. Her hair is braided down her back with a few of the shorter pieces pulled out, framing her face. Her makeup is light, blush on her cheeks, and mascara showcasing her long lashes. She's wrapped up in a long cream-colored coat and he can see that her entire outfit is monochromatic, making for a stylish ensemble.

"Fancy seeing you so soon," she says, smiling up at him. Coriolanus can't help but smile back, he's glad he called her, "Well this city isn't big enough for both of us," he jokes. They both laugh and Persephone takes it as an opportunity to butt in, "So Coryo, it feels like we haven't seen you in ages and suddenly you're just popping back into Soarynn's life. What a coincidence."

She smiles up at him but he sees right through those pearly white teeth, Persephone never forgave him for breaking her best friend's heart, and even though it's been years since they broke up, she's never given him an inch more than she thinks he deserves.

Soarynn's smile falters and she gives Persephone a pleading look, "I think it's all in the timing," she says smoothly, letting her friend's words roll off her back. Coriolanus nods, doing his best to remain neutral, "Yes, it has been quite some time since we saw each other."

Persephone looks between him and Festus, tilting her head in a way that scares him, "Weren't you supposed to go on a date with Livia the other day? Or did those plans fall through?"

Coriolanus glares at Festus who nervously chuckles, "I think I'll go get my skates now, Persephone, come with me."

Coriolanus watches the couple walk over to the rental booth before looking back down at Soarynn who suddenly isn't so happy to see him. "You're dating Livia Cardew?" She asks, her voice is a gentle whisper yet it cuts deep into his heart. Coriolanus quickly sits down next to her on the bench, grabbing her gloved hand, "No, no, I would never date two women at once, believe me."

Her eyes reflect distrust, "Well I don't really know what to believe Coryo. Did you go on a date with Livia Cardew before running into me?"

He sighs, he knew the truth would come out but not this soon! "I did," he admits, right before we ran into each other at the cafe I had the worst date known to mankind with Livia and I told her it was the last date we'd have. I should've told you but I was just so excited to see you again, and I...I didn't want to ruin anything."

Although it hurts to see her like this, he's glad he told her the truth.

Soarynn looks down at their gloved hands, they fit together perfectly, "I'm not mad," she tells him, "I do wish you would've told me before I had to find out through a friend though."

She's got him there.

"From now on," he says, staring deeply into her gorgeous eyes, "I'll be completely honest with you, no matter what." Her lips curl up into a grin, "From now on hmm? You plan on seeing me more than usual?" Coriolanus feels himself blushing, he hadn't meant it like that, but maybe he did.

"I do," he smoothly answers, "I'd like to see you more if that's alright with you."

Soarynn chuckles softly, lacing her fingers with his, "I'd like that very much."

And just like that, sitting under the Christmas tree, Coriolanus felt as if he'd been given a second chance at love.

꧁ ꧂

"Persephone, catch me!" Festus cries before toppling over onto the ice. They all laugh as he sprawls out on the icy floor, dazed and confused.

Coriolanus carefully skates over to Festus, reaching out a hand, "Let's get you back up before some teenagers skate over you." Festus scoffs but takes his hand, "Please, I'm just getting the hang of it."

"Well you've been getting the hang of it for the past hour," Felix calls, expertly skating by with his arm linked with Clemensia's.

Coriolanus chuckles at Festus and his attempt to skate over to Persephone who isn't doing much better either. Birds of a feather it seems.

He looks back over at Soarynn who's clinging to the wall of the ice skating rink, holding on for dear life really. "You know, you won't learn if you don't put yourself out there," he says, skating over to her side. Soarynn lets out a nervous laugh, "Easy for you to say, you've always been good at everything." Coriolanus furrows his brows, he's not good at everything. At least not on the first try.

"Here," he says, holding out his hands, "trust me," he adds when she gives him a questionable look.

Soarynn hesitantly lets go of the wall and takes his hands, gasping when he starts to skate backward. As much as he avoids ice skating, he's actually quite good at it.

Soarynn holds onto him for dear life as he pulls them into the center of the rink which is much emptier than the outer edge. "Don't turn your feet inwards," he tells her, "bend your knees and push your feet out." Soarynn looks down at her skates and does as he says, pushing them three inches forward.

He smiles, "That's it, just like that."

Coriolanus lets her skate a little more before letting go of her hands, giving her an encouraging nod, "You got it."

He takes a moment to admire how beautiful Soarynn is. Under her coat he can see that she's worn a long-sleeved shirt with a collar that goes up to her chin, tucked into cream-colored pants that are perfectly tailored around her waist. She's so effortlessly elegant.

Soarynn ever so carefully skates towards him squealing when she glides over the ice, "I'm doing it!" Coriolanus grins and reaches his hand out, "Look at you, you're a natural." Soarynn grabs onto his hand and he pulls them out of the middle so they can get in some laps.

Soarynn doesn't let go of his hand while they skate in circles, talking about little, insignificant things. He looks around and watches other people skating, some are families, some are couples. To anyone else, they must look like a happy couple.

"Come on lovebirds! Let's go get something hot chocolate!" Clemensia shouts, already skating towards the exit.

"Hot chocolate does sound good," he mumbles, pulling them towards the exit. Soarynn giggles when they reach the gate and carefully steps onto the dry ground, "Oh, that was so much fun! I haven't been skating in years."

Coriolanus closes the gate behind him before turning back to her, "Me neither, although I can imagine it's not as fun when you're little."

They both watch a little girl bundled up with a coat, scarf, and hat skate by them, holding onto her father's leg, "It is rather sweet though," Soarynn says softly, "I can't wait to start a family of my own one day."

His heart beats a little faster when hearing those words leave her lips. He's always wanted to start a family of his own, to do things like this with his children.

"We should get our skates off," is all he says.

They manage to get over to a bench without falling over and he starts unlacing his skates while Soarynn looks around, admiring all the decorations. "This all used to feel much bigger when I was little," she mumbles, kicking her feet in the air, "I remember wanting to be a grown-up so badly."

Coriolanus laughs, he knows that feeling, "And now we are," he says, slipping off his skates. Soarynn goes to untie her laces but he swats her hand away, "Please," he says, giving her an offended look, "you won't be doing any of that if I'm around."

Soaryn raises her eyebrows in amusement, "What a gentleman," she purrs, letting him untie her laces for her. Coriolanus shrugs, trying to hide his grin, "It's the least I could do for a lady like you."

Soarynn hums while he unties the other skate, once he's got them off, he grabs both pairs, "I'll go take them back," he tells her. Soarynn nods and gives him a sweet smile, "I'll be here."

Coriolanus walks over to the rental booth and tries to dodge Festus but isn't successful, "Look at you two," Festus teases, playfully punching his shoulder, "you're acting like you've been married for ten years."

Coriolanus scoffs and sets the skates down on the counter, "You're being ridiculous," he tells Festus, nodding at the staff member who gives him their shoes back, "we're just getting to know each other again and your constant teasing isn't helping. Or Persephone's attempts to sabotage my changes," he gives Festus a knowing look.

"You know she only wants the best for Soarynn, I mean, you remember how heartbroken you both were right?" Painful memories flash in his mind, "Yes I do, and I'd rather not be reminded of them thank you very much. If Soarynn and I want to make this work, then we can't afford to have our friends nosing their way into our private business."

Festus holds his hands up in surrender, "Say no more. From now on, we're not even here." He mimics locking his lips with a key and Coriolanus shakes his head, "We'll see how long this lasts," he retorts, quite doubtful in their skills to mind their own business.

Still, he'll take all the help he can get.

꧁ ꧂

Giggles echo off of the Corso apartment buldings while Coriolanus and Soarynn stroll down ths street, arms linked together. "Who mixes bourbon with hot chocolate?" Soarynn asks with another laugh, throwing her head back.

Coriolanus grins, looking down at her, content to just admire her for the rest of their lives, "Festus Creed aparently," he replies, hoping that Festus made it home in one piece after becoming a bartender once they got their hot chocolate.

Soarynn shakes her head, brushing her hair out of her face, "Persephone's got her hands full with him, I don't know how she does it." Coriolanus finds that statment funny because Felix has said the same thing about Festus regarding Persephone, how full his hands must be with a girl like that.

Persephone Price is sharp and outspoken, never afraid to speak her mind. Coriolanus enjoys her company every now and then but only as friends. He can't imagine dating a girl like that.

Soarynn is much more suited to his taste. Quiet, polite, soft-spoken and considerate of other's feelings.

"They match each other quite well though," Soarynn points out, "they're both funny, outgoing, witty..."

"Annoying," he cuts in, "at times they can be very annoying."

Soarynn playfully swats at his arm, "Oh hush, none of us are perfect."

He raises an eyebrow, looking down at her with an amused look, "Oh, really? Because you're pretty damn close." Soarynn huffs, her cheeks turn pink as she shakes her head, "Hardly," she mumbles, "I have plenty of things I could work on."

"Like what?"

"Speaking up for myself for starters, I've always been quiet but that leads to people walking all over me, whether or not it's intentional is beside the point. And I could always work on getting out of my comfort zone."

She looks up at him with hesitation in her eyes, "I mean it's true! I never want to break out of my routine, even if it's necessary, you should've seen me when I first started working, I was a wreck."

Coriolanus finds it hard to imagine Soarynn being a wreck of any sorts but the way she talks about it tells him that it's been weighing her down for quite some time now.

"You're perfect to me," he tells her, pulling her closer to him, "even if you insist on walking home instead of being driven."

Soarynn breaks into another fit of giggles, pleased she got her way tonight, "Walking is good for you," she insists, "good for the heart and you have long legs."

Coriolanus looks down at his long legs and shakes his head, "That doesn't mean that I want to use them all the time," he points out.

Soarynn hums, resting her head on his arm, "Well thank you for walking me home and inviting me out tonight, I had a great time." They turn onto Cornelia Street, a familiar sight and Coriolanus admires all the Christmas lights that are strung along the townhouses. "You don't have any lights," he notices when they begin walking up to her house. Soarynn shrugs, "I don't have anyone to hang them up."

She doesn't have a man to hang them up but that might change if he's lucky.

They come to a stop at her front door, Soarynn standing on the second step while he stands on the sidewalk, "Will I see you again before the party?" She asks, reaching out to fix the collar of his coat. Coriolanus swallows, he'd love to see her again but he's going to be so busy with work and the reports that are due at the end of the year, "Probably not," he says glumly, "work is going get hectic."

Soarynn nods, he can see that she's disappointed but she still gives him an understanding smile, "It's okay, I'll see you on the twenty-first then."

"Yes, you will. I'll pick you up at six."

Soarynn leans down and presses a kiss to his cheek, "It's a date."

Coriolanus wears a boyish grin when she pulls away, "A date," he comfirms. He makes sure that she gets inside safely before walking back down the sidewalk.

Coriolanus Snow has got a pep in his step and it's all because of the girl on Cornelia Street.

| Part 1. |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

{ Part 2. }

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @villiansarehottest @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @kickmybark @melodyoflovee |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Family First

“Mr. President, over here!”

“Mr. President, a quick word please!”

“Mr. President, what are your thoughts on the upcoming elections?”

Coriolanus has grown used to ignoring these pestering questions. Especially when walking to his front door.

These pesky reporters haven’t let up since the day he moved into the Presidential Mansion, waiting outside the front gates, desperate for something juicy.

As if he’d ever answer them.

They can’t get through the fence but their words certainly can, their annoying questions about things that don’t truly matter in the grand scheme of things.

He’s got much more important things to worry about today.

He has to address the nation.

Riots have been breaking out across the Districts, causing shortages of food and supplies in the Capitol. If he doesn’t get things under control they might have another war on their hands. And he can’t have that.

Coriolanus nods at the two Peacekeepers stationed outside of the side entrance to the Mansion, a less impressive one yes, but easier to walk out of compared to the front door where everyone is watching.

He steps inside the Mansion and is immediately greeted by Eudora Trinket, his trusted coordinator who hopefully, has whipped something up for him to say to all the citizens of Panem.

“You’re terribly last minute with these things, you know that don’t you?” She asks as they briskly walk down the great hall towards one of the many conference rooms they have in the Mansion.

Coriolanus merely glances down at the middle-aged woman who is always sporting a new colored wig with eyelashes to match. She keeps him on task so he doesn’t comment on her fashion choices.

“Do you have a speech?”

Eudora scoffs, whipping out a stack of notecards, “Do I have a speech? Of course, I have a speech Coriolanus. This isn’t amateur hour!”

Coriolanus takes the cards from her, glancing over the prepared lines she’s written for him. They seem good, strong, and authoritative, not leaving any room for argument.

“Let’s just hope everything’s ready,” he mumbles as they walk into the largest conference room they have in the Mansion, already occupied by all his advisors and several diplomats whose jobs are all currently on the line for letting this happen.

They said they could handle it. Now he has to clean up their mess.

Coriolanus makes his way to the podium, a camera already positioned in front of it, ready to roll to the entire nation at his command.

Coriolanus grips the edges of the podium, reminding himself to breathe. Eudora says he’s going to get gray hairs before he turns thirty but running a country can be stressful.

He glances around the room and finds the one person he truly cares about it missing.

But there’s a good reason for that.

Ten years ago, Coriolanus met the love of his life, Soarynn Nightingale.

He knew from the moment he saw her that she was the one for him, no questions asked. He courted her, learned about her, and fell in love with her. They got married right after graduating from University and right before he began his campaign to become the youngest President of Panem.

She had supported him through everything, the hardships, and the victories. And just when he thought she couldn't possibly give him anything else, she gave him a daughter. Ceraphina Snow was two years old and the apple of his eye. With her golden curls and eyes identical to her mother's, she had him wrapped around her little finger.

He didn't get to see her as often as he liked, spending most of his time working on keeping this country under control but he cherished every moment he had with his baby girl.

He listens to the sound of quiet yet stressed whispers throughout the room, all from men who might be fired by the end of the night. They all look so pathetic in their seats, nervously looking at him before looking back at each other, trying to shift the blame off of themselves.

Coriolanus stares back down at the podium, looking at the cards Eudora wrote for him. He usually prefers to write these things himself but he was pulled out of a meeting to do this. This was a dire circumstance it seemed.

A hush falls over the room and he glances up to see why.

Soarynn is finally here.

She looks jarred, like she was just sleeping which she probably was, she's been more tired lately but there's good reason for that. His eyes zero in on his darling daughter who's hugged to Soarynn's hip, curiously looking around at all these men who will be jobless by the end of the night.

Her eyes finally find his and Ceraphina lets out a shriek of excitement, "Daddy!"

Coriolanus can't help but grin at how cute she is, reaching out for him. Soarynn is quick to quiet down their child, bouncing her up and down for a moment. She looks beautiful as always, with her hair pinned up while wearing a green dress, flowy and flattering.

He feels so bad about dragging her into this at the last minute but as President of Panem, it's important that his family is always seen by his side.

Soarynn gives him a small smile before nodding at everyone who stood up the moment she stepped into the room, silently telling them to sit down again. They do and several men let out sighs of relief as if an ounce of kindness from Soarynn can save them from a lifetime of wrath from their employer.

Soarynn takes her seat next to Eudora, to the immediate right of the podium and Ceraphina immediately reaches out for Eudora, most likely to touch her eyelashes which have always fascinated their daughter since the day she was born.

Eudora who claims to not like children gives her hand a little squeeze before she turns to look up at Coriolanus and give him a nod to go ahead. It's time.

The room falls silent once again and the nation's anthem begins to play, the cameras begin to roll and Coriolanus begins to speak directly to the camera, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"Over the course of the past six weeks, rebels have been wreaking havoc in the Districts, disrupting production and challenging those who are above them." He eyes his advisors who are nearly on the edge of their seats. "But I am here to put an end to these foolish attempts to disrupt what we know to be a great nation, rich with resources that are so gladly provided to the citizens of the Capitol."

Ceraphina tugs on Soarynn's dress, already tired of sitting still while her father talks.

"Starting today, all working District citizens will be given four additional hours of work to make up for lost production time. Those who have been detained for inciting riots will be executed."

A few eyes widen at his words but Coriolanus means every bit of them. If they let these rebels live, they'll spread this ideology to other people until the Capitol is left with Districts full of rebels and roaches.

"Let me be clear, we do not tolerate rebels in Panem, we will not ever tolerate rebels in Panem. This way of thinking will get you nowhere, it will only harm those you wish to help. We are a great nation that will rise together out of the ashes that these rebels have so foolishly created. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever."

The camera cuts off and Coriolanus is met with words of praise from every man in the room.

"Excellent speech sir."

"They won't dare to try and cross us now."

"Wonderfully said Mr. President."

He'd kill all of them right now if there weren't ladies present.

"Tonight we'll have a meeting to discuss further plans," he tells them, "eight o'clock." Then at nine o'clock, he'll start hiring new men to take their places.

He steps down from the podium and is greeted by Ceraphina beaming up at him, a big smile on her sweet little face. "Daddy!" Coriolanus grins down at her, unable to ignore her sweet nature, "Hello my darling, were you sleeping with your mother before you two arrived?"

Soarynn sighs and brushes a stray curl out from Ceraphina's face, "We were having very pleasant dreams before we found out that you'd be addressing the nation and threatening to execute half of it if things didn’t start to shape up.”

Eudora hums and gives him a sharp poke, “I don’t believe I mentioned anything about executions in my speech,” she hisses but Coriolanus ignores her, taking Ceraphina into his hold and pressing a kiss to her cheek. She thinks the world of her father, even if he is sometimes a heartless man, and he’d like to keep it that way.

“Sometimes we have to do hard things,” he tells both women, blowing a raspberry against Ceraphina’s cheek which makes her tumble into a fit of laughter, “Daddy no!”

Soarynn watches the sweet sight with a small smile on her lips but he can tell she’s still exhausted, probably more so after hearing that speech, “We’re having lunch if you’d like to join us,” he offers, already knowing she’ll likely decline.

Soarynn shakes her head and rests her hand on the side of his face, a gesture she’s done at least a thousand times to comfort him in times of stress, “I wish we could darling, but we’re both rather tired today, aren’t we Ceraphina?”

“No Mommy,” Ceraphina says with a shake of her head, curls bouncing, “lunch with Daddy.”

Coriolanus presses another kiss to his daughter's cheek before handing her back over to his wife, "Next time my darling," he promises Ceraphina, "you'd be terribly bored anyway."

Ceraphina pouts but doesn't cry, at two years old, she's already quite well behaved and Coriolanus has Soarynn to thank for that. She's been quite involved in raising their daughter, causing her to be oh-so-sweet and polite to all she comes across, just like Soarynn.

Soarynn hums, brushing back Ceraphina's curls, "He's right darling, we'll have much more fun upstairs." Ceraphina doesn't look too convinced but Coriolanus is already being pulled in another direction by one of his trusted advisors, Quintus Heavensbee, someone who will not be fired tonight.

"Actually, it might be good for people to see all three of you together," he suggests in a hushed whisper, eyeing Soarynn for a moment, "or all four of you." Coriolanus rests a hand on Soarynn's stomach, just starting to show signs of pregnancy at five months which has only led him to be more protective over her.

He's kept her away from the news and media as much as possible, wanting her to have a calm and quiet pregnancy with their second little girl but it seems that duty comes before desire sometimes.

Before he can suggest something else that doesn't involve the love of his life, Soarynn cuts in with that sweet smile of hers, known to calm down the most tense situations, "A few minutes in front of the cameras couldn't hurt darling," she says, "it's our job to speak directly to our people."

Coriolanus bites the inside of his cheek, sometimes he wishes she weren't so selflessly devoted to this country and its well-being. From the beginning, Soarynn has always been the perfect First Lady, speaking at events, shaking important hands, and always knowing just what to say.

"Five minutes," he decides, giving both Soarynn and Quintus a knowing look, "I still have a lunch to attend." He also doesn’t want Soarynn to exhaust herself but he keeps that to himself.

Quintus smiles, pleased that Coriolanus agreed to his suggestion so easily and Ceraphina smiles too, excited to be with her father for a little longer. "Daddy carry me," she reaches out for him again. He can hardly deny such a request and takes her from Soarynn, "Best manners Ceraphina," he reminds her as they make their way out of the room and down the hallway.

The reporters are still outside waiting for him once they walk through the side entrance, sticking their hands and cameras through the iron fence that surrounds the entirety of the President's Mansion.

Coriolanus rests one hand on Soarynn's lower back while the other holds Ceraphina to his hip. A group of Peacekeepers surround the Presidential Family while they walk to the front gates of the Mansion and Coriolanus hates every second of it. He wants Soarynn inside, away from all of this.

"Mr. President, how do you plan to follow through with your threats of executions?"

"President Snow, by how many weeks will you continue to increase the District's workload?"

"Mrs. Snow, what do you think of your husband's brutish threats towards those in the Districts?"

It's the last question that makes his nostrils flare so of course it's the one Soarynn chooses to answer. "I trust in my husband's ability to keep our country safe and under control," she answers in a calm tone, the same one she uses whenever Ceraphina gets fussy, "the Capitol wants everyone to stay safe and riots endanger everyone."

Quintus lets out a grunt of approval, even Coriolanus is impressed by her answer, short and to the point and above all, praising the Capitol. Ceraphina kicks her feet, bored already, "Mommy, I want to go play!"

Coriolanus quickly quiets her down with a stern look, he can't afford to have her say something contradicting, "Mr. President, when can we be expecting your second child?" Perhaps Ceraphina's small outburst can help shift the conversation elsewhere, he wraps his arm around Soarynn's waist, pulling her into him.

"Our precious little girl will be born in four months," he says proudly, "we're overjoyed with healthy reports on her growth and can't wait to strengthen and expand our family."

Soarynn leans into him, resting her head on his shoulder and the cameras all start flashing, capturing the sweet moment between the President and First Lady.

"Do you have any names planned?"

Soarynn smiles up at him, "We have a few ideas," she says, "but we still have a while to go."

Ceraphina reaches out for her mother and Soarynn takes hold of her small hand, once again, causing the cameras to flash. "Thank you for your time gentlemen," Coriolanus says to the reporters, ready to go back inside, "we hope to see you again soon."

He wishes he could banish anyone from waiting outside of his home, desperate for a blurry photograph of him or his family but he can only do so much before raising concerns about his harsh behavior. Threatening to execute any rebels certainly hasn't helped his case.

"Excellent job sir," Quintus commends him once they're all back inside, safe from the cameras and prying questions. Coriolanus hands Ceraphina back to Soarynn, straightening out his tie, "They're relentless with the questions," he mumbles, shaking his head, "and they're not even good questions."

Ceraphina giggles when Soarynn tickles under her chin, momentarily causing Coriolanus to forget about his stressful job, he wishes he could spend the rest of the day with his girls but he can't.

"Any news is good news," Quintus reminds him.

Coriolanus doesn't quite agree with that way of thinking but he doesn't say anything against it, instead, he presses a kiss to Soarynn's temple, "I'll see you tonight darling," he promises her.

He tries to have dinner with his family but it doesn't always happen, especially on days like today. But Soarynn understands that, giving his arm an encouraging squeeze, "Don't work too hard Coryo," she says softly, pulling at his heartstrings. If Soarynn had her way, they'd be nobodies, happily married and living a quiet life in his old penthouse apartment.

She's been so devoted to him and his dreams that she sacrificed her own dreams of raising a family out of the spotlight. A small price to pay for a lifetime of happiness with him but he recognizes all she's done for him.

"I'll try," is all he says, pinching Ceraphina's cheek, "be good for your mother sweetheart."

Watching them walk up the stairs feels like parting with a piece of his soul but he pushes that soft part of him away, right now he needs to do his job and be the cold, heartless man people know him to be.

It's better this way, safer this way.

꧁ ꧂

Later that night after firing every man who caused him strife today, Coriolanus sits in his bedroom on the sofa by the fireplace. Soarynn is in the bathroom getting ready for bed and he's got a newspaper in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.

It's the perfect way to end the night.

Eudora threw the newspaper on his desk right before she left for the night. Fresh off the presses from their impromptu family interview this afternoon after he addressed and threatened the entire nation.

'President Snow is a Family Man' the headline reads.

He smiles at the photograph on the front page, Soarynn pressed to his side and Ceraphina on the other, holding each other's hands in a loving manner while Soarynn looks up at him so adoringly. He couldn't have planned it better himself.

He reads a few of the lines written about what Soarynn said, calling Coriolanus a President who puts his family first. Exactly. He's so glad the reporters can see it that way.

He’s more than pleased with how today turned out. He had been angry at first, angry at the men who made him look bad due to their own incompetence but Soarynn’s sweet voice seems to be the cure for everything.

He peers into the bathroom and catches a glimpse of his glowing wife dressed merely in her underwear, a hand resting on her baby bump. He smiles to himself, in a few months their baby girl will be here and they’ll be a perfect family unit.

Soarynn has truly given him so much, endless support, two children in about two years and she’s stunning on top of all of that.

The press can say all they want about him and so can people in the Districts for that matter. At the end of the day, so long as he has Soarynn by his side, he’ll always be known as a man who puts family first.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

| taglist: @kickmybark @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @melodyoflovee @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @erensrealgf |

[slaymitchabernathy]

Naughty or Nice?

| "I'm talkin' deckin' all the halls, I'm talkin' spikin' eggnog. I'm talkin' opposite of small, I'm talkin' big snowballs. You got a new toy for me, I'm out here trimmin' the tree. I caught that holiday glee, my true love gave it to me." |

“Go to bed girls,” Coriolanus says once more, only his head pokes through the opening of the doors. He watches the girls giggle, doing their best to convince him that they’ll be on their best behavior but they probably won’t.

“If you don’t go to sleep then Santa won’t come and bring you presents.”

The girls gasp and shush each other making him grin. Lying about Santa isn’t the best thing to do but it’s earned him stellar behavior from all three of his children the past month.

The moment one of them was on the cusp of a tantrum, Coriolanus was threatening to tell Santa. Soarynn had chided him on it, claiming it wasn’t fair to hold it over their heads but he figured he only had ten years with each child before they started putting two and two together so he wouldn’t waste this precious momentum.

And the children were excellently behaved tonight. He took his family to the ballet with some good friends of theirs and then they ended the night at one of their favorite restaurants. The children ate all their food and used their best manners.

At twenty-six, Coriolanus Snow feels on top of the world. He’s doing great at work, has a beautiful home, and the perfect wife who's blessed him with three perfect, beautiful children.

Coriolanus closes the doors to his eldest daughter’s bedroom feeling very pleased with how his life has turned out so far.

His girls had begged to sleep in the same bed so they could wait for Santa and he eventually gave in after enough pouting.

He makes his way through the living room, admiring their beautiful tree. Soarynn decorated it beautifully with red garlands and golden accents along with shiny ornaments. Tons of presents sit under the tree, gifts for the family from the family.

He’ll have to slip the ones from Santa under the tree later tonight once the children are really asleep. Even if they were little tyrants tonight, there’s no way in hell he’d let any of those presents go to waste. He’s spent a small fortune on them, well, his wife spent a small fortune on them.

He was simply the one writing the check.

He walks into the kitchen and eyes the plate of cookies they left for Santa. They do look quite delicious and that glass of warm milk is calling his name.

He licks his lips, maybe a little late-night treat wouldn’t hurt. He’s just about the grab a cookie when his wife’s voice scares the shit out of him, “Coriolanus Snow.”

He jumps and turns around, giving her a sheepish smile while she stands under the doorway, hands on her hips, not looking too impressed with his behavior, “I was a bit peckish,” he explains.

Soarynn raises an eyebrow, “Those are for Santa,” she nods at the plate of decorated cookies, “not for you.”

Coriolanus rolls his eyes, certainly no one would’ve noticed if he ate one cookie. And he’s going to have to take a bite out of one before the children wake up so why not get a head start? “You don’t want to get a lump of coal in your stocking,” Soarynn tells him.

To Soarynn’s credit, they’ve had a wonderful holiday season. She’s made sure that they’ve done every activity under the sun from meeting Santa to going sledding. She’s not about to let him throw all her hard work down the drain, “Are the children asleep?” She asks, stepping into the kitchen. Coriolanus hums, eyeing the cookies one last time, “Yes darling, tucked into bed with sugarplums dancing above their heads or however the song goes.”

Soarynn smiles, but not her usual smile, no, this smile has sinister intentions behind it. “Good, because I have a gift for you.”

Oh, well that’s not sinister at all.

“Really? Well I’ll open it tomorrow morning darling,” he says, going to the cupboard to grab himself a wine glass, they might as well end the night watching a film while cuddling on the sofa.

“It’s for tonight.”

He looks over his shoulder at Soarynn who bats her eyelashes at him, “Come to our room in fifteen minutes,” she instructs. She leaves before he can ask any questions and his mouth suddenly feels very dry. Soarynn isn’t one for random surprises, no, she values routine above everything else.

He begins to think of the worst, perhaps she broke something and was waiting for a good time to tell him. Maybe she wants him to hang up another picture frame, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Or…or maybe she got another kitten.

Coriolanus suddenly feels lightheaded and grips the counter for support. His entire life is flashing before his eyes. Two cats are diabolical. He’ll have to put his foot down, simple as that. He’s the man of the house and he simply cannot tolerate two Petunias.

He might as well have that wine now. Heaven knows he’ll need it.

Fifteen minutes pass at an agonizing pace, too slow for him to handle but Soarynn won’t let him into their bedroom a minute earlier. He knows that much.

He glances up at the clock and sighs, it’s finally ten o’clock. Time to face his doom.

He finishes off his wine and sets the glass in the sink before trudging down the hallway to their bedroom. He’s so busy feeling sorry for himself that he doesn’t even notice the rose petals on the floor leading up to their bedroom. Only when he’s about to open the doors does he realize that her gift could be something very different.

He cautiously opens the doors, peeking his head in just in case and what he sees causes his jaw to go slack.

Soarynn. On the bed. Wearing red sheer tights with lingerie under the tights and a red bow wrapped around her waist. She’s wearing a gorgeous red lacy bralette as well and she looks like an absolute vision.

She’s sitting on her knees, wearing a proud smile when she sees his shocked expression.

“Come in darling,” she purrs, beckoning him in with the wave of her finger.

Like the lovesick fool he is, Coriolanus stumbles into the bedroom like he’s in a trance, shutting the doors behind him and swearing to treat this woman like the goddess she is for the rest of their lives.

“This is…this is something,” he finally says, stopping once he reaches the bed. Soarynn softly chuckles and pops up on her knees so that they’re almost at the same height, “I just wanted to give you an extra special gift, you know, for all you do for me.”

Coriolanus swallows when she goes to undo his tie, “All I…all I do for you?” He squeaks when she pulls the tie off him, “Mhm, all you do to take care of me,” she sweetly explains, undoing the buttons on his shirt next. “You take such good care of me Coryo and I just wanted to find a special way to thank you.”

Coriolanus decides right then and there that he’s the luckiest man alive.

And she looks so gorgeous. Her hair and makeup are the same from the ballet and dinner. Parted down the side with light yet perfect makeup to enhance her natural beauty.

He rests a hand on her hip and resists the urge to rip these tights right off of her. But he should be patient. Yes, patient. But he’s never been good at being patient. That’s Soarynn’s specialty.

“Well this is very nice,” he tells her, helping her slide off his white shirt, baring his chest to her, “very, very nice. Where did you get the bow?”

Soarynn smiles up at him, “It’s a secret.”

Right.

“Alright, well can I unwrap my present now?” He asks with a teasing smile, desperate to get his hands on her and more importantly, get her under him.

Soarynn shakes her head and it damn near crushes his hopes and dreams, “Not yet,” she says softly, dragging her hand down his chest towards his belt, “first, I want to give you a smaller gift.” Soarynn cups his hardened length right through his trousers and smirks when he gasps. She’s never ever been this straightforward and he can’t help but ask.

Who is this woman and what has she done with his shy, timid little wife?

The Soarynn he knows rarely ever engages in sexual activity first, she always lets him take the lead which he doesn’t mind at all. He loves being in charge and loves that she trusts him enough to do the things they do but this behavior is entirely different.

“Oh,” is all he says, his voice a croak.

Soarynn nods and slowly unbuckles his belt, "You've just been so stressed darling," she says, almost like she's pouting, "so busy with work, providing for our family. Sometimes you don't even come to bed until early in the morning."

Well, well...well, she has a point. The holiday season is always hectic with work and despite it being a "family-oriented holiday", Coriolanus always finds himself buried in end-of-the-year paperwork. Soarynn understands, of course, someone has to pay the bills but she's taking matters into her own hands it seems.

Literally.

She lets the belt fall to the ground and unzips his trousers at an agonizing pace, like she's teasing him and he's not even fully naked yet. Coriolanus feels frozen, only allowed to watch her palm his length while looking up at him with those gorgeous eyes, like a little vixen.

"Sit down," she says and he nearly sits on the floor. "On the chair," she elaborates pointing over at the sitting area they have in their room.

Who is he to disobey her?

He kicks off his trousers and walks over to the armchair he sits in every night before getting ready for bed. He slowly sinks into the chair and watches with great fascination as Soarynn slowly slips off the bed. Now that she's standing, he can fully admire her outfit and can see that she's wearing red high heels as well.

She's going to fucking kill him.

She's wearing this proud smirk because she knows, she knows she's got him in the palm of her hand.

Once she reaches him and bends down until her lips are ghosting his, "Keep your hands on the chair," she whispers, looking into his eyes with such ferocity that he almost feels scared.

He nods and Soarynn smiles. She carefully sinks down in front of him, on her knees once again and his cock is begging to be touched. Soarynn slips a finger under the waistband of his boxers, causing his breath to hitch. He is the one who teases her like this, but he surprisingly doesn't mind that the roles have been reversed.

Soarynn hums and finally pulls down his boxers, releasing his cock that's already gathered precum at the tip. Soarynn gently grabs it and starts stroking it up and down, up and down. Coriolanus clenches his teeth, it feels so fucking good. He wishes he could just grab her hair like he usually does but he's under specific orders to keep his hands away from her.

He knows what she really meant by that demand: "Stop throat fucking me you impatient, unappreciative bastard."

Soarynn never complains when giving him a blow job but he always likes to be in charge, set the pace. Not tonight though.

Soarynn finally sticks out her tongue and swirls it around his very sensitive tip. He jerks in his seat, gripping the armrests for dear life. She looks up at him, a twinkle in her eyes while he tries to compose himself, restrain himself from grabbing a fistful of her hair, and fucking her throat until she cries.

She maintains eye contact as she takes him into her mouth and it's an ungodly sight that nearly makes him cum right then and there. Soarynn would never admit this, but she's very good at giving head. She can take him all the way down which is a very impressive feat where he's concerned. Coriolanus is well aware that he's well endowed, long in length with enough girth to stretch her out every single time.

She takes him like a champ, bobbing her head up and down, licking the underside of his shaft at the same time and his breathing is becoming labored. He can't remember the last time she gave him head, he's been...well, he's been busy! With work!

And Soarynn is here to remind him of what he's been missing out on.

Soarynn plays with his balls with her other hand and Coriolanus moans, unable to look away no matter how much it kills him to do so. She's just so sexy, so fucking irresistible with his cock buried in her throat. Soarynn takes him all the way down and holds it and he cries out, "Fuck Soarynn!"

He leans forward, pushing his cock further down his throat and Soarynn lets out a gagged groan. She probably didn't think this entirely through, and he doesn't need his hands to properly fuck his wife's throat but before he can do it again, she squeezes his balls hard.

Coriolanus lets out a pained scream and Soarynn pulls herself completely off of him, gasping for air while he does the same.

She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, her lipstick is slightly smudged and she has a murderous look in her eyes. "Really? You couldn't control yourself one time Coriolanus?"

He sputters while trying to come up with a proper apology or explanation as to why it's impossible not to watch her gag on his cock but she's not hearing it. "Thought you could handle it," she mutters, standing back up. Coriolanus reaches out for her, still painfully hard by the way.

"Soarynn," he calls, "darling, come back, let me try again, I'm sorry. I'll be perfectly behaved."

Soarynn walks over to the bed and bends down, looking for something apparently. He watches her with a puzzled look on his face but it fades quickly when she stands back up with his belt in her hands.

"Absolutely not," he says, shaking his head when she starts walking back over to him. "Soarynn, there's no way in hell I'm gonna let you tie me up."

She feigns a saddened look and rolls her eyes, "Oh really? Because your cock is leaking and we both know you'd rather kill yourself than handle it alone."

His teeth click from how quickly he shuts his mouth.

Who the fuck is this dominatrix?

And what has she done with his wife?

She holds her hands as wide as her shoulders, making the belt go taut between her hands, "The choice is yours, darling. Finish by yourself, or play by my rules for once. You tie me up all the time and I never complain."

He does love to tie her up. It's so fun to see her whine and struggle, to see her take everything he gives her. To see her pretty eyes fill with tears when she gets too stimulated.

He's shooting himself in the foot because he's only getting harder now that he's thinking about it.

Soarynn notices too and smirks, "Choose," she tells him, "are you gonna play naughty, or nice?"

Coriolanus wishes there were a third option such as: 'beg for forgiveness' but her tone is anything but forgiving.

He swallows not only his spit but his pride too, "Nice," he mumbles.

Soarynn grabs a fistful of his hair and yanks his head back, "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you, darling, say it again, louder this time," she orders, a wicked look in her eyes. He knows exactly what she's doing because two weeks ago he said the exact same thing to her during sex.

He's going to have to watch what he says from now on because she's clearly been keeping score.

He glares up at her, "Nice," he spits out, "I'll be fucking nice."

Soarynn chuckles and lets go of his hair, "Mhm, you'll be my good boy?"

Well, fuck.

His throat bobs from the new petname. He's got a whole list of petnames for her when they're in the bedroom, ranging from "sweet girl" to "my little mindless fuckdoll" but he's never been called this before.

He kinda likes it.

"Yes," he says, much nicer this time.

"Hands," she says, the same way he says it whenever he ties her up. Coriolanus sighs but holds up his hands, wrists right next to each other. Soarynn tilts her head and studies him for a moment, "Actually, put them behind your back," she purrs.

He begrudgingly puts his hands behind his back and bends forward so that Soarynn can tie his hands with his belt. With his own fucking belt. Soarynn gives him a pat on the back once she's done, "There we go, that wasn't so hard was it?"

He hangs his head, "No."

She slides two fingers under his chin and tilts his face up, "What was that?"

Coriolanus wants to be an asshole, be defiant and give her a hard time but for his own safety and sanity, he remains well-behaved. "No," he says louder, "it wasn't that hard."

Soarynn giggles and leans down to press a kiss to his nose, "Exactly, now let's try again, hmm?"

It's embarrassing how eagerly he nods for her to sink back down to her knees but he does. Soarynn settles in front of his cock again and this time, he's prepared to be tortured. Soarynn takes his hardened length into her hand and strokes him up and down a few times before she sticks out her tongue and starts licking his shaft, slowly to tease him.

Coriolanus moans, throwing his head back while he fights to break his hands free but it's no use, she's tied him up very well. She's been taking notes apparently.

When she takes him into her mouth again, his toes are curling and his teeth are grinding. It feels so fucking good. Soarynn bobs her head up and down, still looking him in the eye but this time, he's truly at her mercy. Soarynn stops at the tip and swirls her tongue around like it's a goddamn lollipop and he almost loses his mind.

"Oh fuck," he gasps, sweat forming on his brow, "fuck I'm close."

Soarynn keeps a steady pace, using her other hand to pump his shaft while she focuses on torturing his overly sensitive tip. He can feel himself getting closer and closer and, "Oh fuck Soarynn," he moans, spilling into her throat.

It's strange not to be able to grab her hair or hold her head down. All he can do is sit there and squirm while he cums. He watches Soarynn close her eyes while his cum spurts down her throat, continuing to pump his shaft.

He gasps at how good it feels and leans back in the chair, riding out his prolonged orgasm. When he finally stops, he's out of breath.

"Fuck that was good," he says, closing his eyes.

He's ready for a shower, well, maybe one round of sex, and then a shower.

Soarynn starts bobbing her throat up and down again.

Coriolanus sits right back up, eyes wide with confusion as his wife keeps sucking him off as if he didn't just cum right down her throat. "Soarynn," he gasps, trying to buck her off of him, "what're you doing?" She only moans while continuing to suck him off, going at a much faster pace this time.

"Shit," he grits out, "Soarynn, I...I can't, fuck, Soarynn!"

She looks back up at him and he can see how much she's enjoying this, enjoying how he's completely helpless, depending on her for his next orgasm which he doesn't even think he can handle but that's beside the point.

Like fucking clockwork, another orgasm is approaching and Coriolanus might just die if he reaches it. But Soarynn is clearly trying to kill him. Coriolanus whimpers, digging his fingernails into his palms as he feels himself getting closer again.

Soarynn lets go of his shaft and brings her hand down to his balls and he blacks out.

Coriolanus doesn't know how long he stays unconscious, he only starts to feel his body again when he feels Soarynn's nails gently scratching his scalp. He groans and slowly opens his eyes, blinking from the bright lights. The first thing he sees is Soarynn, smiling at him which is a nice thing to see when you come back from the dead.

She's sitting in his lap and that's when Coriolanus realizes that she's untied his hands. The evil, mischievous little part of him wants to take her right here and now and show her who's really in charge.

But the gentle, and overstimulated part of him simply rests his hands on her waist and leans into her touch. Soarynn chuckles, "Good choice." He furrows his eyebrows and she kisses his cheek, "If you tried to fuck me right now, you wouldn't even be able to stand, let alone use your cock."

Coriolanus blushes, he's never seen her so confident, so sure of herself. It's like they've switched places for one night only. "That was...that was amazing," he finally says, his voice slightly scratchy, "what the fuck was that?"

Soarynn laughs, resting her head on his shoulder with a content hum, "Oh, I don't know," she sighs, kicking her feet as they dangle off the side of the chair, "I just thought you might enjoy something different, something where you don't have to make all the decisions all the time."

He runs his fingers through her long blonde hair, feeling how soft it is, "Part of me wanted to jump you," he admits, remembering how frustrated he had been. "I know," she says sweetly, trailing her other hand up and down his bare chest. "But the other part of me was so...so hypnotized by you," he says, still in awe, "you turned into a new person."

Soarynn laughs, lifting her head so she can look him in the eyes again, "You like control," she tells him pointedly, "always have, always will and I like giving it to you. But it's nice to switch things up every once in a while, don't you think?"

Coriolanus is nodding before he can even stop himself. It is nice.

"Yeah," he says, nosing her jaw, "it's really nice."

Soarynn shifts on his lap and he's once again painfully aware of how sensitive his cock is. He's not hard but he could be very quickly. "Do you wanna fuck me now?" She asks him, batting those eyelashes the way she always does. Coriolanus swallows and looks at her sexy outfit again, "Maybe," he mumbles.

Soarynn giggles and grabs his jaw in her hand, "Do you wanna fuck me from behind? And make me take it over and over again?" She nods his head for him and his cock is starting to twitch again but she's on a roll again, "You wanna fuck me until I'm crying, and fill my cunt up with your cum since I belong to you and only you?"

"Yes," he says before she can say anything else, crashing his lips onto her lips. Soarynn smiles into the kiss and rests her hand on his neck while his hands grip her waist tightly. They move in sync, knowing exactly what to do after being together for over nine years.

"Good," she whispers, slightly pulling away, "because I really didn't want to have to be on top."

Coriolanus laughs, kissing her again but softer this time, taking his time to appreciate his beautiful, sexy, smart wife who gave him a Christmas Eve to remember.

"Only good girls get to be on top," he mumbles against her lips, "and you've been very naughty."

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